| Azlan Othman |
HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has called for prompt action to be taken, in order to stem the increasing trend towards obesity among Bruneians.
In his titah on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, His Majesty said, “We recently saw the Global Nutrition Report 2016, in which Brunei Darussalam topped the obesity ranking among adults in Asean member countries.”
The monarch noted that 30 per cent of the Brunei population is suffering from high blood pressure, 12.4 per cent from diabetes and 70 per cent from high levels of cholesterol.
“These statistics are worrying, and should not be taken lightly,” said His Majesty. “We must deal with this rising problem through prompt action, and by promoting more awareness on a healthy lifestyle and diet for everyone.
“To achieve this, relevant parties in the government must not be complacent in teaching and guiding the community. Health promotion and motivation must be intensified and not merely limited to a few campaigns, but on a continuous basis, until society gains more understanding on the subject.
“Health is important to all of us. When our bodies are healthy, we can perform our duties well. But if we are unhealthy, then we cannot function properly.”
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, delivering his titah. – INFOFOTO
The monarch then touched on the topic of celebrating Aidilfitri, stating. “We are highly recommended to perform the ‘Takbir’, glorifying Allah the Almighty, and attending Aidilfitri prayers in mosques and suraus today.
“That is the beauty of the religious duty as commanded by Allah the Almighty, in performing the obligatory fasting, followed by Tarawih prayers, Tedarus recitations and magnifying Allah in nightly vigils.
“During the month-long period of fasting, our patience is tested whether we are able to carry our religious duties, as commanded by Allah the Almighty. Those who are patient are entitled to be happy today, after successfully performing the fast in the month of Ramadhan.”
His Majesty concluded the titah by calling on the people of Brunei to keep abreast of current developments, particularly in regard to their health.
“My family and I wish to express our Hari Raya greetings to all Muslims in this country, and we wish them good health after successfully performing the obligatory fasting in the month of Ramadhan,” said His Majesty.
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