Materia Medica Malaysiana

10,000 pedometers for visitors at launch of fitness council

KUALA LUMPUR: The first 10,000 people arriving at the National Stadium for the launch of the National Fitness Council later this month will each be given a pedometer – an instrument that gauges the number of steps taken during a walk.

“We hope those given the pedometers will use them and record at least 1,000 steps daily,” said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would launch the council on Sept 12 before more than 30,000 people at the stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Azalina said Malaysia’s health aspect was becoming a problem.

“We need to exercise to stay active, healthy and united.

“But it would be pointless to exercise then eat nasi lemak and drink teh tarik after that,” she told a press conference at the stadium yesterday.

Azalina said the council would help in her ministry’s efforts to encourage Malaysians pursue life-long healthy lifestyles, good eating habits and sufficient exercise.

Three ministries, including hers, and the National Unity and Integration Department have banded together to form the council, to make Malaysians a more active and healthy lot.

The Housing and Local Government and Health ministries are the other two agencies involved in the council.

Azalina said the collaboration of the four agencies would also contribute towards the government’s effort to create a generation committed to excellence, glory and distinction.

Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek, who was present, said more Malaysians were suffering from diet-related diseases like diabetes and hypertension because of unhealthy eating habits.

“We need to start paying attention to having a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits and grains, and reduce salt and sugar intake,” he said.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili and Housing and Local Government Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Dr Subramaniam K.V. Sathasivaram.