Masks Not Required On Malaysia Public Transport From 5 July 2023
The Ministry of Health of Malaysia (Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia) has relaxed the COVID-19 guidelines from 5 July 2023. This includes the optional use of face masks while using public transport and in hospitals. This is in response to the World Health Organisation’s announcement on 1 May 2023 that COVID-19 is no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The Ministry of Health has downgraded mask wearing on public transport from mandatory to highly encouraged ie. not compulsory.
Mask wearing remains mandatory for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and healthcare workers following infection control practices in healthcare facilities to wear face masks. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that high-risk individuals wear face masks in crowded areas and places with poor air circulation. Dr. Zaliha further mentioned that the quarantine period for COVID-19 positive cases has been shortened from 7 days to 5 days from the onset of the first symptoms.
Despite the current mild situation, the public is advised to remain vigilant in adhering to COVID-19 precautions. The declaration of Malaysia as an infected area under the Prevention of Infectious Diseases Act has also been extended for another 6 months until 31 December 2023, although the COVID-19 situation is no longer a cause for significant concern.
Masks not required on KTM trains from 5 July 2023
KTM Berhad has reposted the Ministry of Health’s Facebook post that masks are no longer required on public transport from 9 June 2023 (highly encouraged ie. not compulsory).
Masks not required on Rapid KL from 5 July 2023
Rapid KL has reposted the Ministry of Health’s Facebook post that masks are no longer required on public transport from 9 June 2023 (highly encouraged ie. not compulsory).
Masks not required on KLIA Ekspres & KLIA Transit from 5 July 2023
Express Rail Link (ERL) has reposted the Ministry of Health’s Facebook post that masks are no longer required on public transport from 9 June 2023 (highly encouraged ie. not compulsory).
Masks not required on Penang Hill Railway from 5 July 2023
Penang Hill has announced that face masks are strongly encouraged (ie. not compulsory) on board the Penang Hill Railway.
Move to Endemicity
Malaysia is one of the last countries in the world to remove the mask mandate. However, it is not the last in ASEAN. Mask wearing on public transport continues to be mandatory in Laos and the Philippines as of 5 July 2023.
- Brunei: Mask not required
- Cambodia: Mask not required
- Indonesia: Mask not required
- Laos: Mask requirement unclear
- Malaysia: Mask not required
- Myanmar: Mask not required
- Philippines: Mask required
- Singapore: Mask not required
- Thailand: Mask not required
- Vietnam: Mask not required
Information as of 5 July 2023.