Deputy minister encourages S’wakians to pick up sports to stay healthy

SIBU (Oct 19): Each person should pick up one sport and participate actively to build up their brain and stay healthy, said Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.

He said in today’s busy life, a lot of people are living sedentary lifestyles with more work but less time for exercise.

“This is not good as it brings bad consequences to the society. As such, indulge in doing more active exercise, which is important to keep all those non-communicable diseases at bay,” he said at the opening of the Sibu-level National Sports Day celebration at Swan Square here.

His text-of-speech was delivered by councillor Kevin Lau.

Tiang said a lot of people are now getting more at risk of getting heart diseases, high cholesterol and diabetes because of a sedentary lifestyle.

“We should improve the situation and be active in our physical exercise. Moreover, active participation in physical exercise would help improve mental health,” he said.

Tiang added in this digital age, more and more people, especially youths, are at risk of experiencing mental health issues.

“There are many reasons this happens but mainly it is because of information overload. Their brain is always working — they are good at thinking but not as good as expressing those thoughts due to a lack of communication skills.

“This is why it is very important for our young people to be actively involved in exercise. It is good to destress,” he said.

On the National Sports Day celebration, Tiang said it might look simple but could serve as an awareness on the importance of physical exercises as well as bring the community together.