Malaysia drops indoor face mask mandate

STORY: Malaysia drops indoor face mask mandate DATELINE: Sept. 8, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:12 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. shot of Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers with Malaysia's National Flag 2. various of crowds indoors STORYLINE: Malaysia has dropped the mandatory use of face masks for indoor spaces, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced on Wednesday. The discretion on whether masks should be worn indoors will be left to the owners of premises, with owners who wished to impose the wearing of face masks being allowed to do so, Khairy told a press conference. "It's the owners' right to deny customers who flout their conditions. Some premises owners might feel that they are exposed and the risk is high if masks are not worn," Khairy said. The decision was made due to the easing COVID-19 situation in the country and the greater availability of antiviral medication but other measures would remain in place to prevent the spread of the disease, Khairy added. The wearing of face masks rema

Malaysia honors nurses for key role in fighting pandemic

STORY: Malaysia honors nurses for key role in fighting pandemic DATELINE: May 13, 2022 LENGTH: 00:03:25 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of Malaysia's National Museum in Kuala Lumpur 2. various of the opening ceremony of "The Evolution of Nurse Uniform" exhibition 3. various of Health Ministry Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah giving a speech 4. various of Noor Hisham at the opening ceremony and visiting the exhibition 5. various of nurses visiting the exhibition and the exhibits on display STORYLINE: Nurses have played a key role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, from treating patients to the successful implementation of the country's national immunization program, Malaysian Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said on Thursday. In a ceremony to mark the International Nurses Day 2022 celebrations organized by the Malaysian Nurses Association (MNA) in the administrative capital of Putrajaya, Khairy said their efforts and those of other frontliners have made it poss

Malaysians mark Eid al-Fitr as COVID-19 cases subside

STORY: Malaysians mark Eid al-Fitr as COVID-19 cases subside DATELINE: May 4, 2022 LENGTH: 00:05:18 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: SOCIETY/HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. Various of Malaysia's national flag in front of prime minister's office 2. Various of crowds in Putrajaya 3. Various of Muslims praying in mosque 4. Various of crowds at mosque after the prayer 5. Various of crowds posing for photos STORYLINE: Malaysia's Muslims marked a more joyous Eid al-Fitr festival on Monday as the COVID-19 situation in the country continues to improve. After having endured lockdowns and travel restrictions, Malaysians were teeming in the capital Kuala Lumpur in streets, malls and markets, celebrating the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid al-Fitr holidays, while others are finally able to make the traditional exodus of "Balik Kampung," or people returning to hometowns. Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said last week that the practice of hosting open houses and home visits will be allowed again this year, along with other