The DAP Youth chief noted that the data showed the likelihood of spreading Covid-19 was much lower outdoors, making it “somewhat safer” to not don a mask.

However, Yii said the data also showed other countries that “over-relaxed” their restrictions saw a surge in infections, with the public healthcare system overwhelmed and the patients’ quality of care affected.

“One of the reasons our country has not seen a vertical surge in cases even in view of Omicron is due to our more conservative SOPs, including the compulsory wearing of face masks.

“Though the data shows a lower likelihood (of Covid-19 infections), it doesn’t mean the virus can’t spread outdoors, especially in crowded and congested areas.

“That is why I’m glad the Malaysian government has not followed Singapore’s approach of unmasking outdoors in view of Ramadan due to congested events such as Ramadan bazaars,” he said in a statement today.

Yii, who heads the parliamentary select committee on health, nonetheless expected that masks would be optional outdoors after Hari Raya.

But he urged the public to be cautious and continue wearing masks in congested and crowded areas outdoors.

Yesterday, Sarawak tourism minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah urged the state government to consider removing the face mask mandate.

He said the health ministry and the Sarawak disaster management committee should study the approach of other countries in handling the Covid-19 pandemic, citing nations like Singapore and the UK.