SIBU: Though it is no longer compulsory to wear face masks indoors and usage is optional in open areas, traders at and visitors to the Sibu Central Market, nonetheless, are encouraged to continue wearing masks to curb COVID-19.

The advice came from Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) market and petty traders standing committee chairman Albert Tiang.

“The Health Ministry has made wearing masks optional and leaving it to owners of premises to decide.

“SMC doesn’t discuss whether should further enforce the wearing of masks within the market, however like the Health Minister commented, we don’t know what direction the mutations will go.

“There is a possibility it could become more dangerous. Therefore, SMC continues to encourage hawkers and the public to wear masks while inside markets and hawker centres,” he said.

Tiang also noted that this also includes all the SMC premises such as Pasar Malam, Pasar Minggu Indah, and Pasar Tamu Bahagia Jaya.

Asked whether the use of face masks among traders will ensure confidence among the public, he replied in the positive.

“Traders or hawkers who wear masks will definitely instil confidence in the shoppers or visitors,” he said.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had on Wednesday (Sept 7) announced that with immediate effect the use of face masks is no longer mandatory indoors.

However, face masks are only compulsory in public transports like buses, trains, planes taxis, e-hailing vehicles, and in hospitals and medical institutions.

This also applies to those who are symptomatic and COVID-19 positive.