By Nura Valentiana Lorna & Lee Shaw Wei

KUCHING: As the country slowly enters the endemic phase of Covid-19, the relaxation of face mask usage will benefit the tourism industry to some extent, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

The Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said he personally welcomed this standard operating procedure (SOP) relaxation if it was approved.

“Many tourists are from countries that do not persist with the use of face mask.

“They won’t feel comfortable if they need to abide with our SOP,” said Abdul Karim after his press conference on the Heritage, Arts and Culture Facilitation Fund here on Wednesday (April 27).

He believed that whatever announcement made by the federal Health Minister, it would not lead to totally putting aside the use of face mask.

He advised the people to wear face mask accordingly, especially in confined places such as in airplanes, public transport or meeting rooms.

“But when outdoors, if an individual wants to follow the new SOP that will be announced (relaxation of mandatory face mask usage), it is up to them.”