Safer environments and healthier Malaysians

I REFER to the article “Perak Forestry bans day hikes on seven trails” published in The Star on Friday (online at /bit.ly/3PPwrnX).

While I support the Perak Forestry Department’s efforts to prevent injuries and lost hikers, authorities should also provide a list of safe alternative trails for recreation.

Restricting access alone without replacement options may unintentionally discourage healthy lifestyles among Malay­sians.

This concern is especially relevant given our nation’s growing health burden. According to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey, over half of Malaysia’s adult population is overweight or obese, and one in five adults lives with diabetes. Given these figures, the government must act as an enabler for active lifestyles rather than simply banning access to trails or focusing on a “war on sugar”.

I suggest greater collaboration among the government, NGOs, the private sector and indivi­duals through the following measures:

> Increase tax relief: The current RM1,000 cap for a healthy lifestyle tax relief is insufficient. With badminton rentals potentially exceeding RM2,000 annually and quality sports equipment costing over RM500, the government should raise this limit to better support consu­mers.

> Matching grants: Elected representatives should offer matching grants for health-related activities in their constituencies. This would empower NGOs to organise more local events. Successful models like the KL Car-Free Morning should be replicated across more localised areas beyond just Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru.

> Incentivise private space: Tax incentives or grants should be offered to entities that provide space for health activities. Agencies like MySihat could play a vital role in coordinating these cross-sector collaborations, not just providing funding opportunities.

> Improve infrastructure: Local councils must create and maintain safe parks for recreation activities. Many existing playgrounds and benches are currently in disrepair.

Learning from regional examples, we can look to the Singa­pore National Parks Board as a model for creating parks for family recreation. The parks in Singapore also facilitate biodiversity conservation, community composting and community volunteering, where citizens act as park rangers and guides. This kind of public-private-people partnership will enable a more sustainable model.

> Individual responsibility: Success depends on individual participation. Organisers should offer incentives for group or family participation to build peer encouragement.

Furthermore, the public must take responsibility for learning safety tips and first aid to prepare for emergencies during recreational activities.

Preventing injuries and promoting healthy lifestyles should not be viewed as competing goals. With stronger partnerships among the government, private sector, NGOs and individuals, Malaysia can create safer environments while encouraging more people to embrace active living.

CHEW HOONG LING

Social activist

Kuala Lumpur