THE Sungai Midah flood retention pond site in Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, was a hive of activities as it hosted a health screening and community picnic.
Organised by Sungai Midah Flood Retention Pond Nature Lovers Club, the “Komuniti Sihat Pembina Negara“ (Kospen) programme drew over 100 residents from Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras and Sungai Besi.
Among the visitors was former trader Siti Zawiya Ahmad, 73, who arrived early for the health screenings.
After rolling up her sleeves for a blood pressure check, she proceeded to do a blood test, keen to get the basics done.
She then moved on to another station, stepping onto a weighing scale for a body mass index (BMI) check — a quick measure to evaluate if her weight was within a healthy range.
“At my age, this type of health screening is important.
“When there is an opportunity to get checked, I want to be among the first,” said Siti Zawiya.
Kospen is a Health Ministry initiative held in collaboration with local communities.
It brings basic health screenings directly to neighbourhoods, with a focus on early detection of non-communicable diseases.
Shafendy Mat Hassan, a building supervisor, said, “I came to check my blood sugar and BMI.”
The 47-year-old said that regular health screenings were important as they could detect what’s going on inside the body even if someone was feeling fine.
Dr Masita Musa, from the Cheras Health Clinic, said the programme was supported by Kospen volunteers, many of whom were residents from the surrounding areas.
“The volunteers are trained to carry out basic health checks and guide participants through the screening stations.”
Equipped with basic tools such as blood pressure monitors, glucometers and weighing scales, volunteers carried out quick health checks on the spot.
“The equipment is simple, but it is enough to detect early warning signs and to alert residents to seek further treatment if needed,” said Dr Masita.
“For many residents, familiar faces make a difference.
“It’s easier when such events involve someone from the community.
“People feel more comfortable asking questions,” she added.
Health Ministry staff and interns from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia also shared simple, practical talks on health and nutrition.
Kampung Malaysia Raya Residents Association chairman Mohd Zainuddin Amran, who is also chairman of Sungai Midah Flood Retention Pond Nature Lovers Club, said the picnic gave the programme a festive twist to draw in a younger crowd.
There was plenty of food, music and easy chatter, creating a setting where residents could get screened without the usual clinical feel.
“We want to make it enjoyable so that more people, especially the younger generation, will step up and take charge of their health,” said Mohd Zainuddin.
