COMPULSORY USE OF FACE MASKS
KUCHING: The government has been urged to consider the B40 group when mandating the compulsory use of face masks starting Aug 1.
Sarawak Community Policing Association (SCPA) chairman Datuk John Lau Pang Heng said that even though the association supports the motion, the government should consider them (B40) as they might be jobless due to the pandemic.
He pointed out that according to the latest published statistics Malaysia has an unemployment rate of 5.3 percent in May. The number of unemployed people has exceeded 800,000 and this figure can be higher.
“Penalising one for not wearing a mask may not solve the issue of Covid-19 transmission.
“Social distancing, washing hands, keeping self and environment hygiene needs to be maintained while observing one’s body temperature may help to detect if one is infected with the virus,” he said in a statement.
Lau expressed that the government needs to provide free masks to every citizen and the government giving six masks per household during the height of the movement control order (MCO) is much appreciated.
He pointed out that a lot of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including SCPA gave masks to under-privileged people as their good health is important to the nation.
“Hence, I encourage the government to consider giving face masks to every household again,” he said.
SCPA has received complaint from a concerned citizen that a medical officer was seen not using a mask in a government clinic.
Lau said the matter has already been referred to the relevant authorities.
