KUALA LUMPUR: MPs will no longer be compelled to wear face masks when they are speaking in the House, said Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun.

       Azhar said this was because Covid-19 rapid antigen testing (RTK-Antigen) and PCR tests had found no positive cases since proceedings began on Sept 6.

       "Throughout the present proceedings, no one was tested positive in the vicinity of Parliament.

       "Based on risk assessment, the Health Ministry is of the opinion that face masks are allowed to be removed during debates.

       "But, MPs are advised to quickly wear back their face masks after delivering their speeches."

       Last Monday (Oct 4), several MPs had asked to be allowed to deliver their speeches without wearing face masks.

       Some argued that MPs struggled to breathe when they delivered their speeches while wearing face masks in the House.