Kuala lumpur: Practising a healthy lifestyle, including active participation in sports, is vital for physical and mental well-being, especially among artistes and creative industry workers who often face irregular work schedules, said Bandar Tun Razak Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. She emphasized that the group could also serve as positive role models for younger generations in embracing healthy living.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Wan Azizah expressed her vision to nurture a generation that is not only physically healthy but also mentally sharp at the Raya Karyawan Bersama Komuniti Sejahtera celebration. The event, organised by the Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary constituency, was also attended by Political Secretary to the Prime Minister Datuk Azman Abidin and Malaysian Artistes Association (Karyawan) president Freddie Fernandez.
Meanwhile, Freddie Fernandez shared his concerns about the health of artistes, particularly those dealing with chronic illnesses. He advised fellow artistes to prioritize their health by reducing sugar intake and oily foods, as many suffer from kidney problems due to excessive sugar consumption. He also urged them to avoid smoking.
He assured that the association would continue to champion the welfare of industry players, addressing issues related to royalties, payments, pension schemes, and insurance protection in cooperation with the government. Freddie highlighted the abolition of the entertainment tax on performances by local artistes in 2024 as a significant step that supports the local arts industry.
Freddie also mentioned plans to focus on developing young artistes through programmes such as an indie music festival scheduled for this August. The celebration aimed to strengthen community ties during Aidilfitri while promoting social well-being and public health.
Earlier, the Bandar Tun Razak Parliamentary Telehealth Kiosk was launched as an initiative to expand access to healthcare services for the local community. BIG CARING Group, the event sponsor, presented a RM20,000 contribution to Karyawan in support of the welfare of artistes and the country's creative industry, along with 140 Rahmah contribution boxes for those in need.