Besides practicing good hygiene and social distancing, one surefire way to stop the spread of the coronavirus is to wear face masks.
And because some stubborn Malaysians are still...stubborn, the government has taken matters into their own hands.
Security Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri made the announcement on Thursday (23 July) during his daily press conference, saying that many Malaysians are not following the government-suggested SOPs anymore, causing the number of COVID-19 cases to increase.
"SOP in public places is being ignored by some, so the government has decided to make it compulsory for everyone to wear face masks beginning 1 August in crowded public spaces," he said.
During the press conference, the minister also said that the government did not make the wearing of masks mandatory before is because it might be a burden to those from the lower income bracket.
Taking this into consideration, the government will allow the public to use cloth masks, as long as it follows the recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
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Currently, the ceiling prices for face masks are RM1.45 for wholesale and RM1.50 for retail.
According to the report, the reduction was made following governments plans to make wearing of face masks compulsory.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said this at the parliament on Thursday (23 July).
He also said that the government will continue to have strict daily enforcement and checks to ensure that no parties will take advantage of the situation.
The minister also assured that there will be adequate supply of face masks for everybody.
So, it's time to mask up, you guys.
And because some stubborn Malaysians are still...stubborn, the government has taken matters into their own hands.
SOPs being ignored
It will be compulsory for Malaysian to wear face masks in public transportation and other crowded places beginning 1 August.Security Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri made the announcement on Thursday (23 July) during his daily press conference, saying that many Malaysians are not following the government-suggested SOPs anymore, causing the number of COVID-19 cases to increase.
"SOP in public places is being ignored by some, so the government has decided to make it compulsory for everyone to wear face masks beginning 1 August in crowded public spaces," he said.
Mulai 1 Ogos ini pemakaian pelitup muka di dalam pengangkutan awam dan tempat awam diwajibkan - Menteri Kanan Pertahanan, Datuk Seri @IsmailSabri60#NormaBaharu #DisiplinMalaysia #HapusCOVID19 pic.twitter.com/r3oY13fjQh
— ??Astro AWANI?? (@501Awani) July 23, 2020
Cloth masks will also be allowed

During the press conference, the minister also said that the government did not make the wearing of masks mandatory before is because it might be a burden to those from the lower income bracket.
Taking this into consideration, the government will allow the public to use cloth masks, as long as it follows the recommendations by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Jenis pelitup muka fabrik yang disyorkan oleh Pertubuhan Kesihatan Sedunia (WHO).
— KKMPutrajaya (@KKMPutrajaya) July 23, 2020
Bermula 1 Ogos, orang ramai diwajibkan memakai pelitup muka di tempat awam yang sesak termasuk dalam pengangkutan awam spt LRT, pasar dan pasar tani. pic.twitter.com/YuEzdCGPqk
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Ceiling price of masks lowered
Meanwhile, Malay Mail reported that the ceiling price of face masks will be reduced to RM1.15 for wholesale and RM1.20 for retail beginning 15 August.Currently, the ceiling prices for face masks are RM1.45 for wholesale and RM1.50 for retail.
According to the report, the reduction was made following governments plans to make wearing of face masks compulsory.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said this at the parliament on Thursday (23 July).
He also said that the government will continue to have strict daily enforcement and checks to ensure that no parties will take advantage of the situation.
The minister also assured that there will be adequate supply of face masks for everybody.
So, it's time to mask up, you guys.