Sarawak’s growth must include healthier population – deputy minister

KUCHING: Sarawak’s ambition to become a developed and prosperous state by 2030 must be matched by a healthier population, with public well-being given equal priority alongside economic growth and infrastructure development.

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU)and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said a state’s progress should not be measured by investment and modern infrastructure alone, but also by the physical and mental health of its people.

He said a healthy and active population was essential to building stronger communities and ensuring the people could contribute productively to Sarawak’s development.

“A healthy population is a productive population. When we are physically active and mentally healthy, we will be better prepared to contribute to Sarawak’s development,” he said.

He said this at the launch of the Senaman Cergas 1 Kenyalang 2026 programme, held in conjunction with DBKU Car Free Day and the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival 2026 here today (Oct 11).

He said community fitness programmes played an important role in encouraging people to make physical activity part of their daily lives, regardless of age or fitness level.

He stressed that people did not need to be professional athletes to benefit from exercise, adding that a willingness to stay active was the first step towards a healthier lifestyle.

He also called on the public to participate in a special edition of Car Free Morning in conjunction with the Sarawak Urban Forum 2.0, scheduled for the last Sunday of October at Padang Merdeka.

He said the annual DBKU initiative also welcomed visitors from outside Kuching and Sarawak, as well as international participants.