Fit M'sia an effective platform to promote sports and fitness: Khairy

MALACCA: The Fit Malaysia Program which was introduced in 2014 is an effective platform in promoting sporting activities and fitness among the community, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said the programme received encouraging response and showed that a healthy lifestyle was getting increasing attention from the people in the country.
"My dream is to churn out sporting champions and become a great sporting nation. Last year we emerged as the overall champion at the SEA Games and I am confident that we will end the wait to win Malaysia's first gold at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
"In order to turn Malaysia into a fit and active nation, we need the people to be healthy. We fight against diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity," he said at the Fit Malaysia programme at the Malacca state level at the Padang Awam Taman Seri Telok Mas, here today.
The programme, officiated by Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, was also attended by State Secretary Datuk Roslan Ibrahim, Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Datuk Othman Muhamad and State Exco for Health, Sports and Antidadah, Datuk Ab Rahaman Ab Karim.
Various activities were being held for the Fit Malaysia programme aimed at turning Malaysia into a sporting nation including a 5km and 10 km run, 10 km and 30 km cycling and aerobic exercises.
Khairy said the presence of more than 10,000 participants comprising the various age groups and children as well as senior citizens proved that the Fit Malaysia programme this time received greater awareness on the importance of looking after one's health.
Meanwhile, Idris said a large number of people attending the programme reflected that the people in the state wanted continued prosperity in popularising a healthy lifestyle.
"It is public knowledge that Malacca is a champion in the Malaysian Family Prosperity index with a score of 8.25. Adopting a healthy lifestyle such as being involved in sports is one of the contributors to a happy and prosperous family.
"Malacca will continue to contribute towards social prosperity and ensure that there will be improvements to such programmes in future,"he added. — Bernama