Almost half of M'sians overweight: Tawfiq

Tuaran: Malaysians tip the scale when it comes to the battle of the bulge – they are top in Asia and rank tenth highest in the number of overweight individuals in the world.A total of 45.3 per cent of the nation's population are overweight ahead of South Korea with 33.2 per cent, Pakistan 30.7 per cent and China 28.3 per cent.

In stating the fat statistics here Tuesday Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan said obesity is one of the main reasons why most people have health problems for example, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and high cholesterol levels.

"In Malaysia, cardiovascular disease has resulted in a total of 50 per cent of deaths each year," he said.

He said this when launching the Cultivating a Healthy Lifestyle Seminar among Civil Servants at Intan Sabah Campus here, Tuesday.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

Stressing the need to lead healthy lives, Tawfiq said a sedentary life would do little to improve the state of civil servants who are the nation's important assets.

"Unhealthy lifestyles will affect their work performance and productivity, hence would be a waste of the country's resources.

"A healthy lifestyle also contributes positively towards the person's emotions and physical outlook. They will not feel inferior towards others because they would feel good about themselves," he said.

In this instance, Malaysia, he said, should not be a sporting spectator nation but a sporting nation instead.

"I believe the involvement in sports among Malaysians will help to produce more talented athletes in the country," he said, adding that age is not an excuse for a person to be more active in sports.

According to him, Malaysia's badminton champion Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Malaysia's squash champion Datuk Nicol David have proven this through their discipline and healthy lifestyle.

Therefore, he said, the National Sports Day which will be held on Oct 10 was part of the government's agenda and seriousness in encouraging more people to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Tawfiq also urged all sports club committee that had been set up at the State government departments and agencies to organise more activities to promote unity and healthier lifestyle among civil servants.

He urged the people to practice a healthier lifestyle by consuming a balanced diet, doing regular exercise and having sufficient sleep.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

"The Ministry had done a random survey among youths in the State and found that most would prefer spending their leisure sleeping, loafing and socialising with their friends."

"It is important for us to spend our leisure with beneficial activities," he said, adding that healthy activities can prevent people especially workers getting into depression and unhealthy activities such as drugs and smoking.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00