Fake news: Viral WhatsApp message on new SOPs for recovery MCO not true

A viral message shared on WhatsApp with regard to the transportation, face mask usage as well as eateries' standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Aug 1 onwards is fake news.

In a notice by the National Security Council (MKN), it confirmed that the message being spread on the social messaging application is fake.

The viral message on WhatsApp, among other things, had claimed that if there was more than one person in a car from different households, everyone must wear a face mask.

It also noted that only two persons can be in a small vehicle like a Perodua Axia to ensure that there was "social distancing" while bigger vehicles such as SUVs had to ensure that there was a seat in between that is left empty.

Meanwhile, the message had also claimed that for SOPs in eateries, a small table can only be seated by two persons while a bigger table can only seat four.

With the wearing of face masks made mandatory in public spaces effective Aug 1, the viral message claimed that people had to keep their mask on while they were waiting for their food, talking, using their mobile phones as well as when reading the newspaper.

It also claimed that the face masks are not allowed to be placed under the chin, hanging on the ear or on the table but must be placed in a pocket or handbag. - New Straits Times