He said the question of whether face masks would still be necessary if the Covid-19 situation improves was raised at the council’s meeting today.

He said deputy health minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali stated that the ministry would closely study the matter. “This is not just because Singapore did it, and so we have to as well,” he told a media conference after chairing the meeting here.

Singapore has lifted a requirement on using face masks, except while using public transport and in healthcare facilities.

Muhyiddin believes that wearing a face mask is the best measure to ensure one is not infected with Covid-19, adding: “It has already become a habit for people in this country after two years of dealing with the pandemic.

“I believe the use of face masks has become more of a habit rather than a compulsion. If and when the time comes that it is not made compulsory, the people can still continue to use them if they want to feel safe,” he said.