MIRI: Malaysia’s push to move from a “sick care” mindset to a holistic “health care” culture took centre stage today at the 2025 Santuni Madani Carnival and National Health Agenda (ANMS) Tour in Kampung Tunku Abdul Rahman, Lambir.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, who officiated at the event, said the event serves as the country’s umbrella framework for embedding healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability into daily life.
“Good health is not just about treating illness. It also embraces education, social wellbeing, the economy and the resilience of communities.
“ANMS represents a collective effort by government, communities and the private sector to build a society that is healthy, resilient and productive,” he said.
Lukanisman further cited findings from the Malaysia Health Literacy Survey 2023, which revealed that 27 per cent of Malaysians still have limited health literacy.
“Meanwhile, the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023 recorded worrying increases in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
“This is why ANMS matters. It is about raising awareness, strengthening literacy and encouraging Malaysians to take charge of their own health,” he stressed.
The Sibuti leg of the programme is expected to serve as a launchpad for building healthier, more inclusive and sustainable communities in line with the Malaysia Madani aspirations.
It brought together more than 20 agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private sector partners.
Highlights included free health screenings, career zones, futsal and sepak takraw matches, traditional games, Rahmah Madani sales and short pocket talks on health and social issues.
Beyond healthcare advocacy, the carnival also functioned as a social intervention platform, addressing local challenges including poverty, education gaps, drug abuse and employment opportunities.
By reaching communities directly, organisers hoped to encourage more integrated, on-the-ground solutions.
