Emulate move by IGP to address obesity, say experts


Crucial to be fit: Police officers should be in good shape health-wise when executing their duties, says Razarudin. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The move by Malaysian police to address obesity among its personnel is “progressive” and other agencies and professions should follow suit, say healthcare professionals.

Public healthcare expert Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said the stressful work of those in the police force means it is crucial for them to look after their health.

She said being overweight may lead to non-communicable diseases, so it is a wise move by the police to encourage weight loss programmes.

On Thursday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain made it clear that a body mass index (BMI) of less than 28 is among the criteria for promotion among his personnel.

This is necessary to ensure police officers are in good shape health-wise when executing their duties, he said.

Dr Sharifa Ezat, when contacted, said the initiative by the police should be commended.

“We want our men in blue to be fit,” she said.

Dr Sharifa warned that being obese could lead a person to being susceptible to diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, gout, hypertension and also cancer.

“Malaysia has the highest rate of obesity in South-East Asia.

“Every effort should be taken to control this ‘epidemic’ which can cause a myriad of health problems,” she said.

Dr Sharifa said the initiative should be emulated by other agencies and employers as obesity does not only happen among police personnel, adding that teachers and doctors are among those who are too focused on their work and neglect the need to exercise regularly.

“However, it is not entirely the fault of those who are unable to do so. Often, they are unable to find the time to exercise due to their working hours and also the lack of venue to do so,” she said.

To encourage people to exercise and stay healthy, Dr Sharifa said employers should motivate their staff by offering them access to gymnasiums or sports centres.

“It pays off in the long run because being physically unhealthy can lead to a higher rate of absenteeism, decline in mental health, reduced motivation, micro-sleep and other health hazards which can affect productivity.“In the case of overworked doctors who spend long hours at work, mental exhaustion can set in,” she said.

Exercise, she said, has proven to improve overall health, including reducing stress levels.

Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming of Universiti Malaya’s Department of Social and Preventive Medicine also gave the thumbs up to Razarudin’s announcement, saying there must be consistency in implementing the initiative to ensure the goal of having fit and healthy police is met.

“This move will also improve the image of the police force when its personnel appear with a fitter physique.

“It is a good practice to start taking steps to lower weight when the BMI exceeds 28 and not wait for it to go too high,” she said.

Moy, who has carried out extensive research on obesity, said the Fire and Rescue Department also requires its personnel to work odd and long hours.

“This could affect their meal hours especially when they are on night duty,” she said.

As such, she said it is important for them to monitor their meal intake and opt for healthy food.

In PUTRAJAYA yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the BMI requirement for promotions in the police force is also meant to instil discipline among its personnel.

However, he said BMI should not be the ultimate deciding factor for an officer’s promotion.

Saifuddin Nasution explained that officers who meet the criteria for a promotion will be allowed to assume the new rank in an acting capacity without their BMI taken into account.

But to be confirmed in their new rank, these officers’ BMI must not exceed 30, he said.

Saifuddin Nasution said that he has sought feedback on the BMI rule and learned that it has been well received.

“I met South Johor OCPD ACP Raub Selamat during floods in the state and found that he had lost 15kg by exercising,” he added.

And Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata can beat many people younger than him when he runs the 100m sprint, Saifuddin Nasution said.

“I have also seen officers taking the stairs in Bukit Aman instead of the elevator to meet the BMI requirement for their promotion.

“Hence, the message we are trying to send is, as the largest enforcement agency, we have imposed the BMI rule as fitness and discipline are our priority, apart from possessing other policing skills,” he told reporters.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
IGP , police , cops , BMI , promotions

Next In Nation

Recycled exercise book aid programme targets 100,000 B40 students, says Education DG
US tariffs on steel, aluminium likely to have minimal impact on M’sia, says Tengku Zafrul
Subsidised cooking oil quota sufficient to meet demand of eligible recipients, Dewan Rakyat told
Bangsa Johor initiative reviewed every six months, says state education exco member
Religious teacher's defence team to file representation to review child sexual assault charges
Kuching village fire leaves seven families homeless
Malaysia to lead Asean with clarity, calls for collective leadership, says PM Anwar
Govt allocates RM9mil to send teachers abroad for leadership, AI courses, says sec-gen
No , Tengku Zafrul denies being next ambassador to the US
GOF foils bid to smugggle RM4.3mil worth of ornamental plants in Rantau Panjang

Others Also Read