By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 11: Health screenings conducted during the Sarawakku Sayang programme here have revealed obesity as a concern among some members of the Sibu community, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Sharing feedback received from the health screening counter during the programme, he said the findings highlighted the need for people to take greater care of their health and lifestyle.
“According to the report, many people in Sibu are obese. I apologise, but this is the outcome of the screening. Obesity means being ‘gemuk enda tentu pasal’ (being overweight without proper control),” he said during the Sarawakku Sayang Sibu event, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today.
Abang Johari said he had asked doctors about the possible reasons behind the findings, suggesting that eating habits could be one of the contributing factors.
“I was asking the doctors earlier why there are so many obesity cases here. Maybe, maybe it is because of kampua mee,” he quipped.
“This food contains a lot of carbohydrates. If it is not controlled, then this can happen.”
He stressed that a healthy population was important for Sarawak’s continued development, as people needed to remain healthy to contribute effectively to the State’s progress.
Abang Johari also touched on the importance of staying hydrated, joking that he was puzzled when he noticed Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development I (Education and Innovation) as well as Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee’s hoarse voice.
“Earlier, I was puzzled because Dr Annuar’s voice was hoarse. Maybe it is because of a lack of water due to El Niño. But the doctor knows better,” he said. — DayakDaily
