Wearing mask at petrol stations unnecessary, say police


GEORGE TOWN: Wearing a face mask at petrol station is not necessary if physical distancing can be observed, said Penang police chief Comm Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan.

“A petrol station is a public place. But if the person is alone and the station is not crowded, then there is no need for him or her to wear a mask, ” he said.

Comm Sahabudin was responding to queries after talk that it was compulsory to wear masks at petrol stations.

He said the standard operating procedure (SOP) released by the National Security Council (NSC) had clearly stated that the wearing of masks was compulsory in crowded places but not in areas where physical distancing could be practised.

The mandatory use of masks in crowded places was enforced on Aug 1 as part of the effort by the government to break the infection chain of Covid-19.

Crowded places include markets, farmers’ markets, night markets, supermarkets, tourist areas and cinemas.