‘Better safe than sorry’: Malaysian public still cautious despite lifting of indoor mask mandate

“I enjoy the shopping experience better,” said the 21-year-old on why she welcomed the lifting of the indoor mask mandate. 

As she has already contacted COVID-19 recently, she felt that her body has “stronger immunity”.

Professor Moy Foong Ming of Universiti Malaya’s department of social and preventive medicine told CNA that following the government’s announcement to lift the indoor mask mandate, it was now up to the people to decide if they wanted to continue masking up or otherwise.

She said that it was “the right time” for authorities to ease restrictions as COVID-19 related hospital admissions and intensive care bed usage remained low at around 20 per cent.

The health expert also said that the elderly and high-risk groups should continue wearing masks on their own accord.

She urged the government to continue promoting vaccinations and encouraging the public to get booster shots for those who have yet to do so. 

As for her personally, Prof Moy said that she will still continue to wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings.

“Even though I am boosted, the vaccine only protects us from severe (symptoms). I don’t want the risks of multiple infections or long COVID-19,” she said.