KUCHING: Public health awareness and early disease detection should begin at home and within the workplace before extending to the wider community.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the council has been actively promoting health screening among its staff, including facilitating access to affordable full-body medical check-ups for employees identified as being at higher health risk.
“We can be successful in developing a smart city, but having a healthy community is equally important.
“Health must always be a priority,” he said during a community health screening programme at Kenyalang Park Market conducted in collaboration with Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) this morning.
Wee said the initiative aims to bring affordable health screening services closer to residents and will gradually be expanded to other areas to ensure more people have access to preventive healthcare.
He noted that hawkers are among the groups being targeted through the programme due to the demanding nature of their work.
“Hawkers start work very early in the morning and often return home late in the day.
“Many focus on earning a living and caring for their families, but end up neglecting their own health,” he said.
The mayor added that many people only become aware of health issues after retirement or when serious symptoms begin to appear.
“Prevention is always better than cure. Early detection allows people to make lifestyle changes and seek treatment before conditions become serious,” he said.
He stressed that regular health screenings can help identify issues such as vitamin deficiencies, high blood sugar levels and hypertension, enabling individuals to take preventive measures through healthier diets, exercise and medical advice.
As Malaysia is going into an ageing society in 2028, Wee said it is important not only for people to live longer but to enjoy a healthy and active life as they age.
“We want people to age healthily so they can continue enjoying life. Living longer means little if you are unable to enjoy the journey because of poor health.”
He also encouraged children to consider giving their parents health screenings as a meaningful gesture during celebrations such as Father’s Day and Mother’s Day.
“Instead of only treating them to meals, bring them for a health check-up and ensure they follow up annually. Taking care of their health is one of the best gifts you can give,” he said.
Looking ahead, Wee said the programme will eventually be extended to rural communities, resettlement schemes and council housing areas, where residents may have limited access to healthcare services or perceive health screenings as costly.
“We are working with BMC to make health screenings affordable so that more people can take proactive steps towards maintaining good health,” he said.
