Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob says that the government is in the process of distributing free face masks to Malaysians nationwide. The statement was made on 8 April 2020 during a live press conference in Putrajaya, following up to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s initial announcement two weeks prior.
However, he adds that the handout will prioritise citizens who are affected by flu-like systems, as per recommendations by the Ministry of Health (MOH). “The 24.2 million face masks are in the process of being distributed by Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), which will then be distributed to the Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) in the states, followed by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) committees to districts,” stated Ismail Sabri.
Currently, the masks have arrived in various districts in peninsula Malaysia and would be distributed to those in need by the respective frontline personnel. The senior minister added that the masks would also be flown to those in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan this Friday via special charter by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM).
12. Kerajaan akan mengagihkan 4 keping topeng muka kpd setiap isi rumah. Seperti disyorkan oleh KKM hanya mereka yg bergejala perlu memakai topeng muka
13. 24.62 juta topeng muka sdg dlm proses pengedaran kpd Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Negeri utk diedarkan ke daerah-daerah
— MINDEF Malaysia (@MINDEFMalaysia) April 8, 2020
Following Ismail Sabri’s statement, the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) further reveals that a total of 4 pieces of face masks will be issued to each member of a household. Additionally, they also advised that the masks should be used sparingly, prioritising only those affected by symptoms of flu or fever.
(Source: RTM [Facebook] / MINDEF Twitter)
