KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 -- Putrajaya is currently in the process of distributing free face masks to Malaysians nationwide, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

During a press conference in Putrajaya which was broadcast "live", Ismail Sabri - who is also defence minister - however said that the masks would be distributed to those who display flu-like symptoms, as per recommendations by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

"As announced by the government, that the government will distribute for free four face masks to each household nationwide, and as was recommended by MOH, only those who have symptoms must wear face masks.

"The 24.2 million face masks are in the process of being distributed by ATM (Malaysian Armed Forces), which...