KUCHING: Since obesity among Malaysians is still a growing concern, founder of the nationwide weight loss programme, “Jom Kurus”, Kevin Zahri hopes his project can be included in the education module for schools in the country.
“We have discussed the inclusion of the programme with the Education and Health Ministry, and hopefully it will be fully introduced in five years’ time,” the fitness celebrity told reporters during the closing of the Jom Kurus 1 Malaysia (JKIM) Fiesta 2019 at the Malaysian Productivity Corporation’s Sarawak office here today.
He explained that the module would include several health activities such as Jom Kurus, sports league, creative health education and physical education (PE) coach volunteering programme, enhancing school sport activities and sport clubs.
“The programme will encourage students to practise healthy and active lifestyles and have balanced diets.
“They will learn to stay healthy in a more fun and creative way,” added Kevin who is also a nutrition expert.
According to him, obesity begins at home.
“Children’s eating habits depend on their parents. Parents’ ignorance about healthy diets will eventually lead to unhealthy eating habits.
“Parents cannot rely on schools to teach their children about healthy lifestyles and balanced diets. They too play an important role,” he stressed.
“When the “Jom Kurus” programme is introduced in schools, it is not solely about losing weight but also encouraging schoolchildren to take part in more healthy activities.
“When they start from young, they will automatically continue to stay fit until they grow old,” said Kevin.
Meanwhile, around 80 people took part in the six-week “Jom Kurus” programme that aimed to expose adults to healthy lifestyle habits.
Various activities held included zumba, hiking, cross fit, aqua-aerobics, gym and circuit training.
There were also seminars on healthy eating habits by Kevin.
