KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul today shared health tips, including his practice of fasting every day during parliamentary sessions.
He said besides reducing food intake, fasting helps cultivate patience.
"We can reduce sugar; for example. I fast every day during sessions to build patience... I am fasting today as well," he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
This healthy lifestyle advice was shared in line with the launch of the Health and Wellness Programme with members of parliament (MPs) today.
The programme is an initiative to promote a culture of healthy living among MPs.
Johari said he was sharing the advice out of concern because many MPs are at risk of developing non-communicable diseases, especially diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol-related conditions due to unhealthy lifestyle habits.
"Parliament has introduced mandatory health screenings for all MPs in 2023, which revealed various health issues, including high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and extremely high cholesterol levels," he said.
When responding to Khoo Poay Tiong's (PH-Kota Melaka) remarks about MPs continuing to smoke in prohibited areas within the the Parliament complex, Johari gave an assurance that these MPs would be fined.
"I understand that the Health Ministry has stationed officers to monitor those smoking outside designated areas.
"If they are found doing it, they will be fined. If I myself find them doing this, I'll instruct for the fine to be doubled. I agree this is a serious issue; we should not smoke in the Parliament complex as it is unfair to others, especially as the building is fully air-conditioned," he said.
On the launch of the Health and Wellness Programme with MPs, Johari said the initiative, in collaboration with the Health Ministry, includes the Mobile Health and Wellness Services through 'Wellness on Wheels' (WoW), the Fight Against Sugar initiative, and the First 1,000 Days of Life campaign, aimed at combating the double burden of malnutrition (DBM).
At the same time, he highlighted the importance of the MPs' roles and involvement in ensuring that various health services provided by MoH reach the grassroots within their respective constituencies.