Malaysia will allow people to remove their face masks in indoor settings, ending the last of its significant Covid-era restrictions.
Masks will still be mandatory for people who test positive for Covid as well as in places such as public transport and health-care facilities, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said in a briefing on Wednesday. Premise owners may still enforce rules requiring visitors to mask up. The public is still highly encouraged to wear masks, he added.
The easing, effective immediately, is in line with Malaysia’s transition to the endemic phase of the outbreak, as high vaccination rates have kept hospital admissions low. Daily Covid cases in the country have fallen from a high of above 30,000 in March to a little over 2,000 as of Sept 6, according to data compiled by the health ministry.
Malaysia ended most virus rules including limits on gatherings and testing for incoming travellers as part of its strategy of living with Covid. Wearing of masks in open spaces outdoors was made optional on May 1.