Wee (seated centre) joins distinguished guests and participants for a group photo during the officiating ceremony. – Photo by Jude Toyat
KUCHING (Oct 27): In a bid to elevate public health awareness, mall operators and shopping centres across Sarawak are being called upon to become proactive hubs for promoting a healthy lifestyle within the community.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that commercial centres, as integral parts of the daily public environment, have a crucial role to play.
“I would also like to urge mall operators and shopping centres to play an active role in creating an environment that supports the culture of healthy living,” Dr Sim said.
He suggested promotions through social media, shopping applications, LED displays, and community boards, alongside involving retailers in implementing activities for the Bulan Malaysia Sihat Sejahtera (BMSS).
His speech was delivered by Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng at the launch of the state-level BMSS and World Physical Activity Day (WoPAD) 2025 at Mydin Vista Tunku in Petra Jaya here yesterday.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, noted that choosing Mydin as the venue aligns with the ‘Health Promoting Mall’ concept, designed to encourage physical activity and improve health literacy.
“This programme promotes community activities such as mall walking, which is not only easy to implement but also suitable for all ages, fostering inclusive community participation in a safe and conducive environment,” he added.
He also expressed appreciation to the Sarawak State Health Department for organising the two-day programme, acknowledging the leadership of State Health director Dr Veronica Lugah and her team for their dedication.
The BMSS and WoPAD celebrations are part of the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS), which adopts a whole-of-nation approach to nurture a healthy and productive society.
This year’s theme, ‘Budayakan Hidup Sihat, Kukuhkan Imuniti Badan’ (Cultivate a Healthy Lifestyle, Strengthen Body Immunity), highlights the importance of lifestyle-based disease prevention and healthy ageing.
The initiatives focus on five key domains: physical activity, healthy eating, mental health, no smoking and vaping, and environmental cleanliness with personal hygiene.
“Take care of your health, your family’s health, and your community’s well-being by practising healthy habits daily, as good health is the foundation of national prosperity and progress,” Dr Sim urged.
Also present at the event were Sarawak State Health Department Director Dr Veronica Lugah, Deputy Director of Sarawak Health Department (Public Health) Dr Mohammad Nazarudin Bahari and Deputy Director of Sarawak Health Department (Management) Banges Munga.