PUTRAJAYA, March 5 — Putrajaya residents have a higher rate of obesity and high blood pressure, as well as lack physical activity compared to the national average, said Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Health Ministry’s statistics also indicated the depression and anxiety level was the highest among residents in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, and as such sports bodies are vital in becoming agents to create a healthy and active community.
“This is actually rather worrying, and intervention is needed by all parties, including the proactive role played by our sports bodies, she told the press after attending a Madani aid handover to the sports bodies in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya today.
Dr Zaliha also urged sports bodies to organise and support sports programmes which can inculcate a healthy and active lifestyle to boost the public’s quality of life.
“We will do the best we can to provide the best opportunities and facilities for development, especially in sports aspects, to create a healthy city,” she said.
Dr Zaliha had earlier presented RM282,000 in aid to 86 sports bodies, which she said would be used for their administration.
On a separate matter, she remains hopeful that the Federal Territories contingent to the Malaysian Games (Sukma), scheduled for August 17 to August 24 in Sarawak, will improve on their past performance.
“I want all sports bodies to prepare their athletes to be at their peak; only the best and potential medal winners will be selected for the Sarawak Sukma,” Dr Zaliha said.
A total of 47 team managers from the Federal Territories also received their Sukma credentials at the ceremony today.
— Bernama
