‘No mask in car’ compounds revoked

KUALA LUMPUR: Those who were issued compounds for not wearing face masks in private vehicles beginning Aug 1 will have their summonses revoked.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the current standard operating procedure (SOP) does not require individuals to put on a mask in their own vehicles.

He said the mandatory face mask order, which came into effect at the start of this month, only applies to those using public transports and at crowded public areas.

“I would like to raise the issue about individuals claiming on social media they were issued compounds while in their own vehicles.

“I have discussed the matter with the police and the Health Ministry and decided that police will cancel their summonses,” he said at a press conference in Parliament yesterday.

“For those who made payments at the respective health offices, they can reclaim the amount paid,” he added.

Ismail’s statement came in the wake of viral claims on social media that Malaysians were being issued summonses for not wearing face masks despite driving their own cars.

There have also been claims that others were issued compounds for similar offences when in non-crowded public areas, raising confusion as to when an individual is required to put on a mask.

Responding to the confusion, Ismail said among the areas that necessitate the use of face masks are wet markets, night markets, supermarkets, places of interest, tourist spots and cinemas.

Meanwhile, Ismail said the government has decided that all businesses and premises are obligated to use the MySejahtera contact tracing application for their guests and customers.