SHAH ALAM, Aug 3 — Police will be cancelling the fines issued to those who were found to have not worn the protective face masks while in private vehicles.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said those who have already paid the fines to the Health Ministry can appeal to claim back their payments.
“There were reports circulating on social media yesterday that action had been taken against those who were not wearing the masks in private vehicles. This should have not been the case. Private vehicles are not public transportation.
“However, if there are those who were fined for not wearing the masks in private vehicles, police will cancel the fines and for those who have paid the fines can claim back the payments from the Health Ministry.
“The wearing of face masks is only compulsory when riding public transportation such as buses, taxis, e-hailing vehicle LRT and KTM, as well as in crowded public places,” said Ismail Sabri at a conference on the recovery movement control order (RMCO) at Parliament building here today, which was broadcasted live.
Ismail Sabri said the areas where it is mandatory to use face masks are places where physical distancing is not possible, which includes market, farmers’ market (pasar tani), night markets, supermarkets, tourist spots and also cinemas.
“It is not compulsory to wear face masks when doing physical activities. Wearing the masks is encouraged in public places, but only mandatory in certain areas (as previously mentioned).
“Children below the age of two are also not required to wear masks for fear of suffocation and such. This is why we do not encourage taking children below two-years-old out in crowded public areas since they are not required to wear masks,” he said.
On August 1, the Federal government had made it mandatory for the use of face masks in crowded public places where social distancing cannot be practised.
Those who do not comply with the new rule will face a fine of up to RM1,000.
