KUCHING: Assemblymen, community leaders, and village heads are urged to collaborate with the Ministry of Health (MOH) or Sarawak State Health Department to implement health awareness programmes in their areas to boost health literacy.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the health system must shift from ‘sick care’ to ‘health care’ to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
He then said community leaders must play a part in facilitating awareness among their citizens by promoting preventive measures through health campaigns.
“We want to see community leaders, including parents, to take ownership of their health. It’s not just about seeking quick relief for a cough or cold through the Madani Medical Scheme.
“It’s about maintaining health through awareness and proactive actions, knowing your health status, including diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol levels, body weight, and BMI. A healthy nation starts with individuals taking responsibility for their well-being.
“We therefore encourage Yang Berhormats (YB) and ADUNs to engage us to make programmes in their respective areas,” he told a press conference after officiating at the Jelajah Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) and Kembara Madani Afiat programme held at Dataran Perayaan, Petra Jaya here on Saturday.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Dzulkefly noted the alarming health statistics among Malaysians, which showed 1 in 3 Malaysians suffer from hypertension and high cholesterol, while 1 in 5 have diabetes. Additionally, 54 per cent of Malaysians are either overweight or obese.
He then called for individuals to practice healthy habits, with balanced diets, physical activity, and family engagement to prevent NCDs.
“These figures reflect the growing burden NCDs that significantly strain the nation’s health system and economy.
“We now face a chronic disease pandemic. If unaddressed, NCDs could cost the government RM64.2 billion annually, as reported by World Health Organisation in 2020. These include medical costs and productivity losses,” he added.
Regarding the programme, it was aimed at improving health literacy and empowering individuals and communities in self-health management.
It drew over 11,500 visitors from Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Bau, and Lundu.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang and Sarawak State Health director Dr Veronica Lugah.
