Youth told to maintain active and healthy lifestyle

SIBU: People especially the youth are urged to be actively participating in physical exercises as part of a healthy lifestyle.

In making the call, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said it is also the government’s aim to see the people of Sarawak to be actively participating in physical exercises.

“In today’s busy life, a lot of people are living sedentary lifestyles. A sedentary lifestyle doesn’t mean sitting on the sofa and watching TV all day, it means that the work demands so much from us that we found less time to exercises.

“This is not good as it will bring bad consequences to the society. Exercise is important to keep all those non-communicable diseases at bay.

“A lot of people are now more at risk of getting heart diseases, high cholesterol, diabetes because of sedentary lifestyle. We should improve the situation and be active in our physical exercises,” he said when addressing at an event held in conjunction with national sports day, at Swan Square here recently.

He was represented by Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie who delivered his text of speech.

The Pelawan assemblyman stressed that active participation in physical exercises will help to improve mental health in the society.

According to him, in this digital age, more and more people especially the young people are at risk of experiencing mental health issues.

There are many reasons for this to happen, he said, but mainly it is because of the information overload.

“Their brain is always working. They are good in thinking, but they are not good at expressing those thoughts due to lack of communication skills.

“That is why, it is very important for our young people to be actively involved in exercises. It is good to destress.

“So I would urge all young people to at least pick one sports and try to be good at it. Play it for enjoyment.

“That is why we must promote events such as this. It may look simple, but it can serve as an awareness on the importance of physical exercises, ” he said.

Tiang added that it can also bring the community together and participate in community activities.

The event, which featured cycling and fun run and attracted about 1,500 participants from various local government agencies and non-governmental organisations, was also attended by Sibu Divisional Youth and Sports officer, Nur Fatheen Khairuzan Seleman.