Photo shows a nutritional workshop organised by the Miri Obesity Prevention Association in session.
MIRI (Sept 19): The Miri Obesity Prevention Association has urged communities, organisations and individuals to work together in tackling Malaysia’s growing obesity crisis.
Chairman Jong Koi Chong said in a statement today that obesity is not a standalone issue but is closely tied to serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
“Health is a shared responsibility. Families, communities, and organisations must work together to prevent the early onset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which can lead to soaring medical costs and diminished quality of life,” he stressed.
Registered in 2023, the association is a non-governmental, non-profit body dedicated to reducing obesity and related illnesses while building healthier communities.
Since its inception, it has organised various programmes including awareness talks, free screenings, and cooking demonstrations, often in partnership with hospitals, community groups, and the Miri Red Crescent Society.
Among its past activities were the Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases Awareness Campaign, which offered free blood tests, health talks and healthy cooking demonstrations; a World Obesity Day forum; and joint programmes with medical centres promoting family health and nutritional weight management.
The association has also highlighted the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in addressing obesity and diabetes.
Citing the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, Jong underscored the urgency of the issue.
“54.4 per cent of adults are overweight or obese, 29.2 per cent have hypertension, 33.3 per cent high cholesterol, and 15.6 per cent diabetes.
“Additionally, over two million adults are grappling with at least three NCDs.”
In response, the association is stepping up efforts through lifestyle camps, expanding free body mass index (BMI) and health screenings, and nutritional workshops led by health professionals and dietitians.
These sessions will provide practical guidance on healthy eating, weight management, and preventing complications such as stroke, kidney disease, and heart problems.
The association is also actively recruiting new members under lifetime, ordinary, and corporate categories, open to Malaysians aged 18 and above who share its mission.
For details or to collaborate on upcoming programmes, contact Jong on 019-8547591.
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