Working hard to provide for your family is commendable, but not staying active, and not taking care of your health is doing a disservice to your loved ones.
Silent killers such as diabetes and high blood pressure – the result of poor diet, lack of exercise and overworking — strike without warning.
To combat these ailments, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah initiated a ‘sporty Thursday’ culture in Wisma Putra in 2018, encouraging staff to play a sport of their choice, at least once a week.
Now, Wisma Putra’s sports club has taken it one step further by introducing a seven-week ‘Fit Wisma Putra: Work, Life Balance’ programme for the ministry’s staff.
“We need to exercise. If we do not exercise, how are we to get fit and fight off diseases?” asked Saifuddin.
“The sports club has organised many events, such as football, Zumba, and bowling, but I am pleased with this fitness programme.
“For now, it is for seven weeks, but there is no reason why we cannot extend it.
“The staff are used to working long hours. We need some work-life balance. It was not compulsory to pick up a sport (back in 2018), but most of them followed the advice.
“Later on, we introduced the ‘Biggest Loser’ programme and gave prizes to those who lost the most weight.
“When I returned to the ministry last year, we resumed the sporting activities each Thursday.
“The ‘Fit Wisma Putra’ programme is an extension and improvement of the ‘Biggest Loser’ programme and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
The seven-week programme consists of a mental health talk, physical health briefing, healthy eating tips, flexibility-stretching, strength and cardio training, boxing, stretching activity in the workplace, and a virtual walk.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female participants.
Saifuddin also asked the sports club to hold clinics on popular sports. The idea is for the staff to know the game better and to be more motivated to play them.
“I organised a basketball clinic on Hari Sukan Negara. Next is supposed to be a bowling clinic,” said Saifuddin, a keen basketball player.
“Everybody knows bowling, but not everyone knows how to bowl properly. Many times, the ball goes into the ‘longkang’.
“The idea is to get some star bowlers to come and teach the staff the basics, and the right skills.
“Sports is also a good way for the staff to have some form of fellowship. It is a good bonding exercise.
“There is plenty of pressure in our line of work. Sports can be a stress reliever.”
Saifuddin hoped other government agencies and the public sector see the importance of encouraging their staff to be more active.
