KUCHING – The Health Ministry has expressed strong concern over the growing number of students in primary and secondary schools who are gaining too much weight to the point of obesity.
In view of this, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the ministry will be activating its obesity intervention programmes which are expected to go “full swing”.
“We will activate these programmes at maximum levels in all schools nationwide,” he said after visiting SK St Thomas in Kuching today.
He said the health and education ministries were now working closely together to iron out all relevant details on the implementation of the programmes.
“We will need the cooperation from all schools and also parents to make these programmes successful. Specific activities will be introduced aimed at big-sized students to slim down.
“From our observation, there are many oversized children in schools and this is worrying as it can pose serious health issues,” he said.
Based on data gathered last year, he said about 14.3% of primary and secondary school students were obese.
“Sadly the numbers are rising,” he said.
Lukanisman said obesity among students can lead to not only serious physical health problems but also mental issues, behavioural problems and others.
“The obesity intervention programmes we are activating will zero in on healthy lifestyles, good diets, eating habits, and physical exercises.
“Many students these days do not exercise at all, eat too much fast food, lack nutritious diets and lead unhealthy lifestyles. This is something we need to address immediately,” he said.
He urged parents, friends and teachers to fully cooperate in the obesity intervention programmes to be introduced and to jointly make them a success. – The Vibes, August 30, 2023
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