Sin Chew Daily

In a bid to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has introduced a new mandatory measure that requires all commuters to put on face masks while taking public transport.

The new measure that takes effect from August 1, covers crowded public spaces as well. Violators will face a maximum fine of RM1,000.

Pedestrians and shoppers at major malls are seen wearing face masks nowadays, a sign indicating that many are indeed aware of the effort to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

On the other hand, there are many others who do not see wearing face masks a way to curb the virus. They continue to ignore all reminders, risking themselves and others of being infected.

On the first day of the new ruling, the police arrested a total of 315 people who violated the regulations implemented during the recovery movement control order, 127 of them for not wearing face masks.

The mandatory measure of wearing face masks is one of the moves implemented by the government to ensure public safety.

As life is slowly returning to normalcy, many are getting more and more complacent. Indeed, many countries are now facing new waves of COVID-19 infections, and Malaysia does not want to join them!

The mandatory rule requiring everyone to put on face masks is meant to prevent the pandemic from making a strong comeback. It entails public interest and all parties must strictly comply with it.

In the latest development, the police have decided to issue tickets to violators without any more warning. This means all violators will be slapped with a fine of RM1,000 each.

Do not risk paying the fine of RM1,000 by not putting on a mask. RM1,000 is by no means a small sum to many.

While taking stern actions, the authorities must also initiate its public education campaign to educate the public the right way of wearing face masks while sorting out grey areas to clear public doubts.

For instance, the public are confused by the definitions of "public spaces" and "crowded areas".

In an urban area, schools are typically large in size given the relatively large student population. Schools could become quite crowded especially after school hours. Wearing a face mask is sadly never made mandatory for our schools. How does one interpret this?

Wearing a face mask, which is a new requirement, is already a new normal practice by now.

Please put on a mask to safeguard your own health as well as that of other people, besides saving your own pocket!