PETALING JAYA: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) is calling for mandatory health screenings for civil servants to combat the escalating obesity crisis.
Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said that the issue not only affects civil servants but the population as well.
“The problem of obesity among Malaysians needs to be taken more seriously because it should not be normalised.
“To ensure that control measures are implemented, Cuepacs believes that mandatory periodic health checks for public servants should be carried out, especially for those aged 40 and above or showing signs of weight issues,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali on Saturday said that there is a need for healthy activities among civil servants due to a significant obesity rate.
Multi-pronged approach: (From left) Adnan, Dr Zainal and Prof Dr Sharifa call for more healthy eating options and incentives to exercise.
Mohd Zuki said this is crucial given that obesity rates have surpassed 50% of the population, with a significant number being civil servants in Putrajaya.
Adnan said that coordinated efforts between government agencies should be conducted to deal with the issue effectively.
“A collaborative approach involving the Health Ministry and Youth and Sports Department to identify at-risk civil servants and implement intervention programmes should be undertaken.
“The effectiveness of each intervention programme implemented needs to be evaluated to achieve the set objectives,” said the Cuepacs president.
Successful participants would undergo regular check-ups to prevent relapse.
“The same measures can be implemented in the private sector to ensure a healthy lifestyle is maintained.
“Coordinated action by respective employers can help reduce the problem of obesity more effectively,” he added.
Public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the government had implemented various campaigns on obesity and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) but it should go beyond campaigns.
He also proposed that the government look into providing incentives on production and sale of healthy food and beverages.
The government should also offer incentives for companies providing support on healthy lifestyles for their employees, including providing sports equipment, clubs or insurance, he added.
The authorities should also find ways to reduce advertisements on unhealthy food and beverages, said Dr Zainal Ariffin.
Public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said each government department or office should be encouraged to adopt a sports theme and it should be considered part of their task, considering that a majority of them have no time to do physical activities after work.
“Workplaces should also be encouraged to have recreational areas suitable for sports to promote physical activities.
“A healthy eating culture should also be provided in restaurants at Putrajaya, including calorie labelling and activities to burn those calories.
“Restaurants that offer healthy, low-calorie food should be given incentives to encourage existing restaurants to provide healthy, low-calorie meals,” she added.
