Politicians And Legislative Candidates In Malaysia Are Asked To Wear Masks During Campaigns

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia/UNSPLASH/Esmonde Yong

JAKARTA - A small wave of COVID-19 cases occurred ahead of Malaysia's 15th election campaign, so the country's Ministry of Health reminded political party administrators and legislative candidates campaigning to wear masks.

As reported by ANTARA, Monday, October 31, Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in a press statement in Putrajaya, asked the administrators of political parties and legislative candidates campaigning, especially in closed places, to show their example by wearing masks.

Khairy gave an example of the habit of a number of legislative candidates who campaign from house to house by meeting people who are sick or neglected. They are expected to set an example by wearing a mask.

In addition, if the campaign activities are filled with residents, the presenters are asked to remind those present to wear masks and distribute masks to those who do not, he said.

Malaysia is facing a small wave of COVID-19 marked by an increase in new cases of 16.5 percent or 16,017 cases compared to the number of cases in the previous week which reached 14,525 cases.

Malaysian authorities noted that the number of COVID-19 patients in the country's health facilities per 100,000 population also increased by 14 percent compared to the previous week.

According to Khairy, despite the increase in the number of patients, most of them suffer from mild symptoms.

The General Elections Commission of Malaysia has determined that a vote will be held to elect members of the People's Council in the 15th Parliament of Malaysia on 19 November 2022 while the campaign period will take place on 5-18 November 2022.

Election contestants are fighting for 222 seats in the People's Council.