CJMY
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is urging Malaysians to practice healthy living habits in their daily lives in order to strengthen their immunity and fight against diseases.
This call is in conjunction with World Health Day (WHD), celebrated annually on 7th April to mark the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. The unparalleled value of good health is celebrated on this day, with a focus on promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being worldwide.
Malaysia is considered an unhealthy country, with a high number of people suffering from heart disease and obesity. According to statistics, one in every two people in Malaysia is overweight or obese, while one in four does not engage in physical activity, and only one in 20 follows a healthy diet.
Diabetes is a significant public health concern, with 3.6 million Malaysians living with the disease, making it the highest number in Asia. Additionally, 6.1 million Malaysians suffer from hypertension.
The prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia has risen rapidly, with the number of pre-diabetes cases increasing from 8.8 per cent in 2015 to 23.6 per cent in 2019, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey. This number represents almost a quarter of the population who may become diabetic if nothing is done to reverse the trend. Diabetes is not only costly for the nation’s resources, but it also has a significant impact on the limbs and eyesight of sufferers.
Half a million adults in Malaysia suffer from depression, according to official statistics. Unhealthy eating habits, increased stress levels, sedentary lifestyles, and smoking are factors that contribute to the prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) such as high cholesterol among young parents.
CAP advises consumers to review their diet, control their weight, increase physical activity, and avoid tobacco products. In terms of food, CAP recommends reducing the consumption of oily, deep-fried foods, foods high in salt, snacking, and carbonated and sugary drinks. They also suggest minimizing the consumption of processed meats and fast foods in favour of fresh fruits and vegetables.
In light of the country’s alarming health status, CAP is calling on the government to take action. They suggest banning vending machines in schools, hospitals, and other public places, educating Malaysians on the dangers of obesity and diabetes, discouraging the consumption of unhealthy foods through taxes, providing recreational amenities in residential areas, and mandating clear labelling on the sodium and fat content of all foods.
CAP’s call to action is more urgent now as heart disease is the leading cause of death in Malaysia, with the onset of heart disease among young people being the highest in Southeast Asia. Health experts warn that poor cholesterol management may lead to a vicious cycle of disease from one generation to the next.
In conclusion, CAP’s message on World Health Day is clear: adopting healthy living practices is essential for strengthening immunity and fighting against diseases. Malaysians must take proactive steps towards improving their health, while the government must take action to create a healthier environment for its citizens.
C. Khor
