In a statement, MMA president Dr Koh Kar Chai said the current Covid-19 situation in the country remained under control and the public was already familiar with precautions that should be taken.

“It is time that we seriously consider doing away with wearing face masks in enclosed spaces, the only caveat being certain public transport which involves people cramming together for a long duration, nursing homes, old folks’ homes and healthcare facilities,” said Koh.

He also said the country had reached a “plateau of sorts” as the number of new Covid-19 cases and the number of hospitalisations due to the virus were not high.

Yesterday, National Recovery Council chairman Muhyiddin Yassin said a decision on whether to abolish the use of face masks in enclosed spaces would be looked into and decided by the health ministry.

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 that, “It has already become a habit for people in this country after two years of dealing with the pandemic.”