OPENING ADDRESS BY MR MASAGOS ZULKIFLI, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, AND SECOND MINISTER FOR HEALTH AT SIHAT BERSAMA JAGA KESIHATAN, JAGA UMMAH (JKJU) 2022, 19 NOVEMBER 2022, 2.00PM, AT WISMA GEYLANG SERAI

Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mdm Rahayu Mahzam

Colleagues from MUIS, HPB, PA

Ladies and Gentlemen

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

1.             Good afternoon. Unfortunately, I am not able to be with you at the event today. I hope today’s event will inspire you, our valued partners, to continue to encourage both physical and mental well-being within the Malay community.

2.             The Jaga Kesihatan, Jaga Ummah (JKJU) network was introduced by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) in 2017 to improve the health and well-being of the Malay Muslim community. From 15 mosques in 2017, I am pleased to share that we have grown the network to 64 partners, which include not only mosques, but also MAECs and Malay Muslim Organisations. This provides more opportunities for our community to engage in positive health behaviours for a healthier lifestyle.

3.             Today, we recognise 53 recipients for their efforts and achievements to engage the Malay Muslim community in health promotion activities. These recipients span from mosques, M³@Towns, MAECs to commercial partners and Social Service Agencies, I hope that more community partners will join us in this national effort towards a healthier Singapore.

4.             In the past year, the JKJU network and HPB collectively reached out to over 29,000 residents through various healthy living activities. Well-done to all of you!

5.             For example, Hasanah Mosque organised weekly virtual Zumba Gold sessions for its congregants to encourage them to stay active, in the comfort of their own homes. During Ramadan this year, the JKJU Network collaborated with HPB to distribute 8,500 healthier grocery packs to lower income families to encourage healthier eating.

6.             Health promotion requires a concerted effort. As part of Healthier SG, we are building an ecosystem and rallying the community to facilitate healthy living. The JKJU network is an example of how our community partners offer a range of healthy living programmes and bring them closer to the homes of our Malay residents. I hope that as community leaders, you will leverage the network to engage our Malay residents and encourage healthier lifestyles.

7.             Health is wealth. We can start by making small changes in our daily lives such as brisk walking with our family and choosing healthier food. Let us participate in the programmes and make use of the resources that are readily available to lead healthier lifestyles and support each other in doing so.

8.             Once again, my heartiest congratulations to all the recipients. May your good work inspire many more community partners to join the JKJU Network and make healthy living activities more accessible to the Malay Muslim community.

9.             Thank you.