Kuala lumpur: The government has been told to provide public health education from an early stage to raise awareness of healthy lifestyle practices for a better future. Senator Baharuddin Ahmad emphasized the importance of introducing health education early, as chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease often lead to lifelong dependence on medication.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Senator Baharuddin stated that the financial burden of treating chronic diseases, including cancer, is substantial and continually increasing, resulting in significant costs for the government. He made these remarks during the third day of the debate session on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 in the Senate.
Health education should encompass nutrition and health care practices from a young age, Baharuddin asserted. In addition, Senator Mohd Hasbie Muda proposed enhancements to the Budget 2026 plan to ensure youth and graduate programmes have a broader impact. He suggested that initiatives like the K-Youth Programme and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) industrial training should be promoted through various channels, including social media, university portals, secondary schools, community centres, and employment agencies.
Mohd Hasbie emphasized the need for structured training with on-the-job opportunities, particularly in hi-tech sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and digital technology. This approach would allow participants to gain both practical and theoretical knowledge. He also advocated for expanding financial aid and mobility incentives to ensure that youth from low-income families can access training opportunities without obstacles.
Collaborations between industries, educational institutions, and government agencies should be streamlined to align education curricula with market needs. This alignment would ensure that graduates are not only theoretically proficient but also practically skilled, especially in automation, green technology, and digital sectors. The Senate session is set to resume on Monday.