KUALA LUMPUR: THE government's move to make wearing masks mandatory in crowded public areas from Aug 1 was met with relief by people, who say it is necessary to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases.
However, they expressed doubt about the willingness of some people to adhere to the move, and said strict enforcement was needed to ensure compliance.
Richard Lee, 29, a retailer in Kulim, Kedah, said the government had to move quickly to tackle the issue.
"I'm happy with this announcement. However, I doubt everybody will follow it , as seen during the first week of the Movement Control Order.
"Based on my observation, Kedah and Penang are strict about enforcement.
"However, on my recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, I saw many people failing to follow the standard operating procedures (SOP), especially when it comes to wearing masks and practising social distancing," he said at his shop at Kulim Landmark Central.
His views were shared by Nurul Ashratulaina Ali, 25, a production supervisor. She said strict action would make people afraid of the virus again.
"People were initially afraid of the virus. They obeyed the SOP and stayed at home because they didn't want to get infected.
"They were also afraid of having to pay a huge fine for breaching the SOP.
"But people are now taking it lightly, even more after interstate travel was allowed and the number of cases dipped.
"Most think it's okay and that the virus is no longer here.
"Wear a mask. It doesn't matter if you're young or old. You need to wear a face mask when you go out."
Nurul Ashratulaina urged the authorities to clarify their definition of "crowded public areas".
"What appears crowded to me may not be the same to others.
"The virus is still around and this new rule is a reminder that we are not out of the woods."
Johnson Lim echoed her views on the need for clarification.
"We're unsure of what constitutes a crowded public place. The authorities should clarify this quickly.
"The government should also make wearing masks mandatory once people step out of their homes.
"Seeing how some people are flouting the SOP, I fear a second wave could come faster than expected. I hope everybody will adhere to this new rule."