Johor Baru Happy and Joyous Club believes laughter can help people manage stress and even loneliness.
Club president Goh Siew Mei said continuous laughter allowed the body to undergo physiological changes that trigger the release of endorphins, the natural “feel-good” hormones.
“Studies show that children laugh about 200 to 300 times a day, while adults laugh far less.
“Laughing for around 10 to 15 minutes a day can improve one’s mood.
“At the same time, stress hormones such as cortisol decrease,” Goh told StarMetro during a Chinese New Year lunch in Johor Baru.
The event saw the club’s new executive committee for the 2026-2028 term being introduced, while a laughter yoga session was also held.
Goh said the club had also been spreading the joy over the years, with outreach encompassing a wide range of people.
They include senior citizens, hospital patients, students, caregivers and members of the corporate sector.
“We normally conduct laughter sessions at senior homes, hospitals, schools, community centres and public events.
“Many of our participants share that they feel more relaxed, sleep better and feel emotionally lighter after the sessions,” she said.
Goh said the club often received repeat invitations from organisations, as well as participants who later became certified “Laughter Yoga Leaders” themselves hoping to continue spreading the practice in their communities.
She expressed pride that the club had grown from a small gathering in 2008 into a movement that brought people joyously together.
“We have helped many people rediscover joy, connection and emotional resilience in their daily lives through laughter sessions, drum circles, clowning and wellness activities,” she said.
To commemorate World Laughter Day 2026, Goh said the club hoped to gather about 1,000 people on May 3.
“We have invited many non-governmental organisations and schoolchildren to join the event,” she said, adding that the event venue had yet to be confirmed.
The event highlight will be a competition to crown the Laughter King, Queen, Prince and Princess, with other activities including a community drum circle that encourages rhythm, connection and unity.
Admission is free, with t-shirts for participants.
For details, visit the club’s social media pages.
