BY ALLAN JAY and JASNITA AHMAD
KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has urged Sarawakians to undergo regular health screenings and embrace healthier lifestyles.
The Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister said this is to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
He expressed growing concern over the sharp increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which he described as the “silent killers of modern Sarawak”.
“Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, these are the big killers of our modern Sarawak.
“That’s why we keep on campaigning for it (screening),” he said when officiating the Diabetes Awareness Campaign at Vivacity Megamall today.
He pointed out that at least one in five Sarawakians are diagnosed with diabetes, and the statistics continue to rise – at least 11,000 are diagnosed with diabetes in the state.
Dr Sim emphasised that diabetes is closely related to the public’s lifestyle choices, and preventable if detected and managed early.
He also highlighted the severe complications linked to diabetes, such as kidney failure, limb amputations, stroke and heart disease.
“These are not inevitable outcomes, but can be avoided if we check our health and change our habits,” he said.
Dr Sim said that the key is to change one’s mindset.
“We don’t want you to live longer just to spend more time in the hospital. We want you to enjoy life. Free from machines, medications, and suffering,” he added.
He encouraged the public to start monitoring their health, especially the younger generations.
The awareness campaign, organised by Diabetes Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak Health Department and Lions Club District 308-A2, was held simultaneously across Sarawak in six districts namely in Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang.
It is understood that over 400 people attended the campaign and registered for the free health screening.
