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SHAH ALAM: Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today proposed that government and private sector workers take 15 minutes off their work to exercise every day.
Speaking at a “Gaya Hidup Sihat” event today, Mahathir suggested that office workers should stop all their work at 11am and perform light workouts.
“If you can, get out from the air-conditioned office. Not everyone, but certain groups. Take 15 minutes to exercise, and then go back to work.
“Of course, after exercising, don’t go for coffee and chit chat. It will nullify whatever positive impact from the workout we have done.
“This is one way for us to live an active lifestyle, by walking. If we can follow this, we will be healthier,” he said in his speech at the event, held at the Setia City Convention Centre today.
Also present were Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad and his deputy Lee Boon Chye.
Mahathir noted that these days, workers would go to the office and would not get up until evening.
“Muscles not used in the long run will become weak. Our bodies must be active. We must use all that is given to us. Stay active if you want to live a long life. If not, we will be weaker and not live a long life,” said Mahathir, who is a medical doctor.
The Langkawi MP said it is because people do not move around much that a healthy lifestyle campaign is needed
“Move your body for at least a few minutes. The more you walk the better. That way, you can be healthier and live a longer life, which will be better for the country.
“Malaysia is an ageing nation. Senior citizens cannot do much now so we need to care for them. The more we read, write and argue, all these will contribute to an active mind and body,” he said.
The Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman also advised the campaign participants to not eat too much fast food, and not to eat too much.
He told the crowd that his mother once advised him to stop eating “if the food is too yummy”, as he might end up eating more than he should.
“Don’t eat too much. Eating too much will cause you to become fat. Don’t smoke. Don’t drink (alcohol). All these can contribute to our health deteriorating. Use the time we have to walk.
“If we walk alone we will be bored, but if in a group, it will be more exciting,” he said.
Mahathir said all it took is to take one step at a time.
“It is not like the skipping rope. Those who have big bellies should not skip. The rope may become stuck and not go past,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
Later, Dzulkefly said the ministry would walk the talk and execute this at the ministry level as soon as possible.
He also said the proposal in its entirety would be raised at the cabinet meeting.
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