Japan is one of the last major economies to relax official guidance on the coverings.

Effective July 1, the import of non-medical face masks without MS Sirim certification and labelling will be banned.

Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun, who describes this as an early preventive measure, says Covid-19 cases in the state are currently under control.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin says this in line with health recommendations from countries like the European Union, the UK, US, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

A large number of those who prefer to continue using face masks say this makes them feel safe, and that vaccines do not provide complete protection from Covid-19.

Council chairman Muhyiddin Yassin says it is a good development that should be accepted by the people.

Exceptions to this rule will be made at healthcare facilities and on public transport.

He says the Public Health Executive Committee has received recommendations from experts, while the health ministry is gathering public feedback on the matter.

The health minister says internal discussions have already been held on the matter.

He says wearing a face mask has become a habit for many after two years of dealing with the pandemic.

There has been a significant jump in the number of new Covid cases in New Zealand in the past couple of week and authorities are forecasting that this wave of Omicron might be worse than the first.

He says Act 342 might be used once more against those who refuse to comply with the face mask rule.