TEMBURONG

RESIDENTS of Mukim Batu Apoi in Temburong district were up and about early yesterday morning to take part in activities in support of a programme initiated by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to raise awareness on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle among villagers in the Sultanate.

The “Healthy Mukim Programme”, an on-going nationwide initiative by the ministry has been held in several other mukim nationwide since it was launched in 2006. And this time around, the ministry teams up with the Batu Apoi Mukim and Village Consultative Council to get the mukim residents to partake in healthy activities and exercises to help prevent chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart diseases.

The programme, which was held at the Batu Apoi Sports Complex, saw the residents of all ages in the mukim arriving at the venue as early as 6am.

Among the activities being held yesterday included a four kilometres walkathon led by the Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman, while the deputy minister Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah led a bicycleton organised for the first time by the Mukim Batu Apoi Bicycle Club.

The programme also featured a roadshow organised by the Health Promotion Centre as well as the mini-exhibition set up by the Disease Control Unit, Tobacco Control Unit, Health Promotion Section, Eye Section and Dental Section at the Sports Complex.

Visitors and participants were also given a chance to have on the spot medical and health check-ups such as their weight, heart, blood pressure and blood sugar level tests.

Another activity of the day was a showcase of products held at the venue, organised by the Mukim and Village Consultative Council of Mukim Batu Apoi to promote the mukim’s locally made goods.

“Despite our small population, I’m impressed with the high number of people who showed up and participated (in the activities) which demonstrated their support towards this healthy programme,” said Orang Kaya Setia Ahmad Hj Lakim, Penghulu of Mukim Batu Apoi. He added that the positive turnout has truly shown the people’s concern for their own health and well-being.

He went on to say that these kinds of activities were not only beneficial to the residents’ health, but it was also a way of bringing people from the mukim together and getting to know the officials and staff from the Health Ministry.

“This programme is a good way of instilling a sense of togetherness among village residents as well as promoting a more health conscious community in the mukim as well as the entire nation,” he said.

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