Mandatory for students using school buses, vans to wear face masks

By: Patrick Beech

It is mandatory for students who travel by school buses or vans to use face masks.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) in a statement said students were also required to use face masks in public transport like buses, trains, taxis and e-hailing vehicles.

It is up to the individual whether he or she wanted to wear a face mask indoor, outdoor or in open spaces of an educational institution, it said.

“However, we encourage students to mask up, especially in crowded places,” the ministry said.

When indoors, those who have a fever, cough or the flu must wear masks. They are also encouraged to mask up outdoors.

Those who test positive for Covid-19, whether at the institution or hostel, must wear face masks when they are referred to the Covid-19 Assessment Centre (CAC) or health facilities.

The ministry said the decision applied to all the ministry’s education institutions.

Senior Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, in a video clip on his official Facebook page, said the use of face masks on school premises, whether indoors or outdoors, was no longer mandatory.

“However, the use of face masks is still encouraged in schools, especially in crowded places.

“In addition, students who travel by school buses are reminded to wear them at all times,” Radzi said.