KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 -- Putrajaya is distributing face masks to Malaysians nationwide, Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

During a press conference in Putrajaya, Ismail Sabri - who is also defence minister - reminded Malaysians that the masks were only necessary when they have flu-like symptoms, in accordance to the Health Ministry's guidelines.

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

He said the 24.62 million face masks were transported to the states by the Armed Forces, for redistribution by the National Security Council at the district level.

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