In all likelihood, many people in Malaysia – especially the large low-income group – do not know that many progressive nations are working hard to create ‘blue zones’ of healthy and happy living.
The latest is our Asean neighbour, Singapore.
What are blue zones? These are regions identified by researchers where people live longer, healthier lives, with a high concentration of centenarians.
Some of this follows responsible government action to create a healthier and happier society.
Governments that follow this approach place hefty taxes on junk food. The aim is to make it unaffordable and wean people off an unhealthy habit.
Singapore also discourages the manufacture, import and consumption of junk food. It encourages more walking, too. To make walking part of daily life, the government taxes drivers heavily and rewards those who walk.
How does it work? Officials give out free ‘tracking watches’. These clock daily walking distances and earn points. The points can be exchanged for vouchers. People can then use them at supermarkets and outlets to buy healthy food and drink.
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Caring for older people
A healthier, happier society goes further than diet and exercise.
For example, people who live with their older relatives, caring for their parents and parents-in-law, also enjoy tax benefits.
This is in line with the view that living together builds intergenerational bonds, which are crucial for a healthier and happier society.
Living under one roof brings benefits that money cannot buy. Older people thrive and heal faster.
The young also thrive. Children, parents and grandchildren grow up with values such as patience, understanding and acceptance.
So it is time to demand that our politicians, policymakers, leaders and even employers work together to create healthier and happier people.
We cannot build a better and greater Malaysia by constantly shouting about economic growth, ethnicity and religious conformity.
We need the foundation stones of the right policies for a healthier and happier society.
That responsibility rests squarely on the government and its leaders.
The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
