MIRI: Around 250 people gathered at the Miri City Council grounds, here today (April 19) for a mass aerobics event that state leaders say reflects a growing push to promote healthier lifestyles while strengthening community ties across Sarawak.
The Sarawak Sunrise Aerodance Miri Edition marked the launch of a statewide series aimed at encouraging public participation in accessible, community-based fitness activities.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, community leader Pemancha Leonard Fong said the initiative was designed to go beyond physical exercise.
“This is not just about movement or dance, but about building a healthier society and bringing people closer together. It creates a space where communities can gather in a positive and harmonious environment,” he said.
The choice of Miri as the starting point, he added, reflects confidence in the city’s active civic culture and its role in driving grassroots initiatives.
Organisers say programmes such as aerobics sessions offer a practical entry point for public health engagement, allowing participants of all ages to take part without significant cost or barriers. At the same time, the informal setting provides opportunities for social interaction, which officials view as key to fostering mutual understanding and cohesion.
Fong said efforts to strengthen communities should not be measured solely through physical development, but also through improvements in health, unity, and overall wellbeing.
Events like the Miri gathering, he noted, demonstrate how simple, inclusive activities can contribute to broader social outcomes.
The programme will continue in Bintulu on May 16, followed by Sibu on June 7, before concluding in Kuching on July 5.
Officials hope sustained participation across the series will help embed healthier habits while reinforcing a sense of shared identity among communities in different parts of the state.
