Walk-a-Mile towards a healthy lifestyle

If Malaysians still continue to adopt a poor lifestyle, the nation will soon face a health crisis and both the Government and taxpayers would have to bear the rising cost of healthcare.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said, an unhealthy lifestyle is no longer a personal choice because it causes a chain reaction in the long run.

"It like a ticking time bomb. If you don’t lead a healthy lifestyle today, it becomes our (the government's) problem. The public's overall health indicates the country's well-being. Maintaining good health will allow us as a nation to enjoy productive and meaningful lives.

"Heart disease is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide and is a major health issue in Malaysia. Heart disease does not only affect the elderly," Khairy told participants of the Walk-a-Mile programme in conjunction with World Heart Day 2015 at Perdana Botanical Garden in Kuala Lumpur today.

According to a survey by the ministry, only some 30 to 40 percent of Malaysians exercise regularly. The survey took into account the frequency of engaging in recreational and fitness activities every week.

"Compared to those in developed countries who are active in sports and fitness activities, which make up some 60 to 70 percent (of the population), we have a long way to go," he said.

Khairy expressed worry on the fact that Malaysians are the most obese in Asia with at least 48 percent of our population tipping the scales dangerously. Malaysia also has the highest number of diabetics in Southeast Asia.

"Yes, our food is wonderful but the experts and the dietitians will tell you that our food has one of the highest calorie content of all food in the world.

"But I’m not saying that you can't have your nasi lemak or roti canai, but whatever goes in must come out through burning it off. You need to burn them off otherwise those things are going to be deposited in your arteries and it's going contribute to heart disease in the future," he said.

The 14th Walk-a-Mile is organised by the National Heart Foundation and Nestle Omega Plus, and has received participation of more than 3,000 people from all ages and walks of life.