KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Parliament today launched the Health and Wellness Programme for Members of Parliament (MPs) to promote a healthy lifestyle among lawmakers. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul stated that the initiative also aims to support the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS), which includes Wellness on Wheel (WoW), the War on Sugar, and the 1000 Days of Life initiatives implemented by the Health Ministry (MOH).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme designates every Wednesday as a sugar-free drink day to support the MOH’s War on Sugar campaign. As part of the Jom Kosong campaign by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, MPs will receive a 20-sen discount for every sugar-free drink purchase. The Health and Wellness Programme is set to run until November 14.

The Speaker also announced that MPs are required to undergo health check-ups at the Parliament Clinic as part of the programme. In addition, Johari encouraged all MPs to engage in light exercise or ‘X-Break’ durin
g Parliament sittings starting today.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad commented on the programme, noting that this marks the first collaboration between the legislative and executive branches to organise a campaign focused on the health and wellness of MPs. On the WoW initiative, Dzulkefly mentioned that the ministry plans to extend the programme to rural areas to bring health benefits to all segments of society.