Strengthening Unity and Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle through National Sports Day
KANGAR, Oct 12 (Bernama) — National Sports Day (HSN) has been identified as the best platform to strengthen unity and solidarity through the involvement of various races and communities while promoting an active lifestyle and healthy culture, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Empowering the People
Fadillah stressed that efforts to empower the people must be enhanced, especially to ensure that the younger generation remains fit and healthy in the context of Malaysia MADANI, as well as to elevate sports to a higher level. He highlighted that the government has made a commitment to recognising the importance of sports in shaping a fit, productive, and united society, with the goal of transforming Malaysia into a sporting nation.
A National Agenda
Since its introduction in 2015, National Sports Day has been celebrated for almost a decade with the aim of increasing Malaysians’ active participation in sports, in line with the strategies outlined in the National Sports Vision 2030 and the Malaysia MADANI framework. The event is scheduled to take place every second Saturday of October, with the goal of promoting sports and encouraging a fit and active lifestyle among the public.
Sarawak’s Rescheduling
However, the state and division-level HSN celebration in Sarawak will be rescheduled to October 19 out of respect for the birthday celebration of Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, today.
Fadillah’s Viewpoints
Fadillah highlighted that the HSN initiative has seen the participation of 36 million people from 2015 to last year, and the Malaysian Sports Culture Index (IBSM) shows an increase in public participation in sports, with a score of 52 per cent in 2023 compared to 48 per cent in 2022. He emphasized that the government spends billions on public healthcare and that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, participating in sports and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, are important aspects that he hopes all Malaysians will prioritise in their daily lives.
Healthy Population
A healthy population leads to a more productive country and can reduce the rising healthcare costs year after year. Fadillah stressed that programmes like HSN that are implemented every year can invigorate the culture of fitness among all levels of society.
Senior Citizens’ Sports Carnival
Additionally, Fadillah announced that the government is focusing on senior citizens through the organisation of the Senior Citizens Sports Carnival as part of the HSN 2024 celebrations. He pointed out that the government recognises the importance of ensuring that senior citizens, who are a significant part of society, have equal rights to participate in sports and recreational activities.
Population Figures
The population of Malaysians aged 60 and above reached 11.3 per cent (3.8 million) in 2023 and is projected to rise to 15.3 per cent by 2030, and eventually to 20 per cent by 2040. Therefore, efforts to improve health must begin now so that by 2030, the country will have an active and healthy elderly population.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Sports Day is an important platform to promote unity, solidarity, and a healthy lifestyle among Malaysians. The government’s commitment to recognising the importance of sports in shaping a fit, productive, and united society is evident in its efforts to empower the people and promote sports participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is National Sports Day?
A: National Sports Day is an annual celebration that aims to promote sports and encourage a fit and active lifestyle among the public.
Q: What is the goal of National Sports Day?
A: The goal of National Sports Day is to increase Malaysians’ active participation in sports, in line with the strategies outlined in the National Sports Vision 2030 and the Malaysia MADANI framework.
Q: What is the focus of the government on senior citizens?
A: The government recognises the importance of ensuring that senior citizens, who are a significant part of society, have equal rights to participate in sports and recreational activities.
Q: What is the projected population growth of Malaysians aged 60 and above?
A: The population of Malaysians aged 60 and above is projected to rise to 15.3 per cent by 2030, and eventually to 20 per cent by 2040.