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Malaysia’s Health Ministry continues to mull over making face masks compulsory in the country, floating the idea of imposing jail time and fines for violators. 

Health Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah yesterday that in the event face masks become mandatory, violators could go to jail or pay a RM1,000 fine (US$230) if caught without them in public. 

“Once we make wearing face masks mandatory under Act 342, we will have to consider whether to give a fine of RM1,000, or to give jail time for those who flout the law,” he said. 

In the meantime, he urged Malaysians to don the mask when they go out. 

“The government encourages the use of face masks, especially in public places, where safe distancing is difficult to enforce,” he said. “Wearing face masks has proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections by 65%.”

“Safe distancing, and wearing a mask are two ways to reduce the spread of the virus,” he added. 

The Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act covers rules said to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Malaysia has reported 8,815 COVID-19 cases since the outbreak started and the death toll stands at 123. 

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