Healthy living culture must be nurtured from school years

SMK METHODIST SIBU, SIBU DIVISION, SARAWAK, 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Siti Suryani Jarmi, Senior Assistant Director of the Health Promotion Branch at the Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS), stated on September 30 that a culture of healthy living must be cultivated from the school bench to ensure these practices persist into adulthood.

The official highlighted that health education must begin at a young age because today’s students are the generation that will lead families, communities, and the nation in the future. She noted that a healthy lifestyle culture formed during school years has the potential to become a lifelong practice. “A healthy lifestyle culture formed since the school bench has the potential to become a practice carried through to adulthood,” she said during the ceremony.

Jarmi urged students to utilize the available health programs to enhance their knowledge, make healthier choices, and take responsibility for their own well-being. She outlined that healthy lifestyle practices can be initiated with basic elements, including balanced nutrition, active physical activity, maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, and obtaining sufficient sleep. These foundational habits are presented as the primary mechanism for instilling long-term health consciousness in the younger demographic.

The health official also issued specific warnings to students to avoid cigarettes and vapes, while maintaining constant attention to mental health. She identified several contemporary challenges facing society regarding lifestyle-related health issues. These include unhealthy eating habits, insufficient physical activity, excessive consumption of sugar and salt, and the use of tobacco and electronic cigarette products. These factors are cited as significant obstacles to achieving optimal public health outcomes in the region.

According to Jarmi, health is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders to create an environment that supports a healthier life. She listed the government, educational institutions, families, communities, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and every individual as essential participants in this collective effort. This multi-sectoral approach is deemed necessary to address the complex nature of lifestyle-related health challenges effectively.

The 2026 BMSS Sibu Division event is themed “Cultivate a Healthy Life, Boost Body Immunity.” Jarmi expressed hope that this year’s celebration would serve as a catalyst for continuous efforts to instill healthy lifestyle habits among the community. The event marks a specific phase in the broader national campaign to improve public health metrics through education and awareness.

The statement underscores the strategic importance of early intervention in health policy. By targeting the school environment, the Sarawak State Health Department aims to intercept unhealthy behaviors before they become entrenched in adult life. The focus on both physical and mental health reflects a comprehensive approach to well-being, acknowledging that modern health challenges are multifaceted.

The initiative aligns with broader national goals to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, which are often linked to lifestyle factors. By engaging students directly, the department seeks to empower the next generation to make informed decisions regarding their health. The emphasis on basic practices such as diet, exercise, and hygiene suggests a focus on accessible, actionable steps rather than complex medical interventions.

The involvement of the private sector and NGOs in this shared responsibility framework indicates a move towards a collaborative model of public health management. This model relies on diverse resources and expertise to create a supportive ecosystem for healthy living. The specific mention of electronic cigarettes highlights the evolving nature of health risks, requiring updated educational strategies to address new forms of substance use among youth.

The event at SMK Methodist Sibu serves as a local implementation of the national BMSS campaign. It provides a platform for direct engagement between health officials and students, facilitating the dissemination of health information in a relatable context. The theme of boosting immunity further connects individual health practices to broader community resilience, suggesting that personal health choices have collective implications.

Jarmi’s remarks highlight the long-term perspective of health promotion, viewing school-age children as the future leaders of society. This perspective shifts the focus from immediate treatment to long-term prevention. By framing health as a cultural norm rather than just a medical issue, the department aims to create sustainable changes in behavior.

The call for students to take responsibility for their own health empowers them as active agents in their well-being, rather than passive recipients of care.

The identification of excessive sugar and salt consumption as key challenges reflects current dietary trends and their health impacts. Addressing these specific dietary issues is crucial for preventing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. The integration of mental health into the discussion acknowledges the holistic nature of health, recognizing that psychological well-being is inseparable from physical health.

The multi-stakeholder approach mentioned by Jarmi suggests that health promotion cannot be achieved by the government alone. The participation of families and communities is vital for reinforcing healthy habits outside the school environment. The private sector’s role may involve providing healthy options or supporting health initiatives, while NGOs can offer specialized support and advocacy.

The 2026 theme of the BMSS Sibu Division event, “Cultivate a Healthy Life, Boost Body Immunity,” encapsulates the dual focus on lifestyle and physiological resilience. This theme is intended to motivate continuous effort in health culture building. The event serves as a reminder of the ongoing nature of health promotion, which requires sustained attention and action from all sectors of society.

The statement concludes with the hope that the 2026 BMSS celebration will be a catalyst for sustained efforts. This indicates that the event is part of a larger, continuous strategy rather than a one-off initiative. The goal is to embed healthy living into the fabric of daily life, starting from the school years and extending into adulthood. This long-term vision is central to the department’s approach to public health in Sarawak.

Related: Sarawak State Health Department (JKNS) · Siti Suryani Jarmi