MIRI: Starting next year, the Public Service Department will include Body Mass Index (BMI) in evaluating the performance of civil servants.
This move aims to promote health awareness among government employees and foster a culture of healthy living.
Miri MP Chiew Choon Man welcomed the initiative, emphasising the importance of improving public health, particularly in light of Malaysia’s rising health concerns.
“I commend the government’s efforts to cultivate a culture of healthy living,” he said at the opening of the Miri Hospital Sports Carnival on Saturday.
“This BMI implementation is essential, especially for frontline healthcare workers who are role models for the community.”
Chiew highlighted alarming statistics revealed during the recent World Diabetes Day programme in Miri, noting that one in six Malaysians is diagnosed with diabetes.
Furthermore, over 20 per cent of the population falls under the obesity category, placing Malaysia among the countries with the highest diabetes rates globally.
“Our aging population, the emergence of new diseases, and low health awareness among Malaysians contribute significantly to this health crisis,” he explained.
He urged the community to take proactive steps, such as choosing sugar-free beverages and incorporating exercise into their daily routines.
Chiew praised recent health-conscious directives, including Parliament’s sugar-free policy every Wednesday, as steps in the right direction.
“Small changes can lead to significant improvements in health. As frontline healthcare workers, we need to lead by example, demonstrating the importance of a healthy lifestyle,” he added.
Miri Hospital Director Dr Jack Wong also expressed optimism over the BMI initiative.
He noted that it is part of a broader strategy to instill better health practices among civil servants and the public alike.
The event was attended by Miri Divisional Health Officer Dr P. Raviwharmman Packierisamy, alongside other healthcare professionals and local community leaders.
