SHAH ALAM, Feb 1 — The Anak Selangor Anak Sihat (ASAS) programme has found that many children in Selangor have been experiencing overweight and obesity issues since the programme was implemented in July last year.
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings of 481 children showed that only 273 had a normal weight, while the remainder were identified as underweight, overweight, or obese.
Of the 273, 87 children were found to be underweight, 52 were overweight, and 69 were obese.
“These findings allow early action to be taken, including more appropriate nutritional advice and healthy lifestyle guidance for each child,” she told Media Selangor.
Jamaliah added that ASAS is not merely a health screening programme, but also helps parents understand their children’s nutritional and growth needs through guidance from nutritionists.
“The programme also focuses on the early prevention of children’s health issues, particularly obesity,” she said.
Since 2023, 2,648 participants, comprising 2,292 children and 356 parents and guardians, have taken part in 16 ASAS programmes across nine districts in the state.
It also includes nutrition consultation sessions, health education, healthy food demonstrations, and interactive activities to encourage an active lifestyle from an early age.
The state government has allocated RM500,000 to implement ASAS under the Iltizam Selangor Sihat agenda, in collaboration with the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
Selangor will continue to expand the implementation of ASAS so that more children can benefit from this health programme.
