OPENING REMARKS BY MR MASAGOS ZULKIFLI, MINISTER FOR SOCIAL AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, SECOND MINISTER FOR HEALTH & MINISTER-IN-CHARGE OF MUSLIM AFFAIRS AT THE JAGA KESIHATAN, JAGA UMMAH AWARDS 2021 ON 16 NOVEMBER 2021

Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health

Muis and HPB Colleagues

Ladies and Gentlemen

1.   Good morning. I am honoured to join you today at the Jaga Kesihatan, Jaga Ummah (or JKJU) Awards. I would also like to acknowledge our guests who are joining us virtually.

2.   HPB introduced the JKJU initiative in 2017 to strengthen health promotion in the Malay community. It means “Look after your health, look after your community.” An important call to action. We first started with 15 mosques. I am glad that today, we have 32 mosques onboard. More than double.

3.   I welcome the mosques as new partners in this national effort. Beyond providing religious guidance, you are also instrumental in our national endeavour to improve our population’s health and wellbeing. Through the JKJU initiative,you hold great influence in encouraging your congregants to lead healthier lifestyles.

4.   In fact, over the past two years, JKJU mosques have collectively reached out to over 38,500 congregants through various activities. A great achievement. For example, the Al-Istighfar Mosque organised. Low Impact Aerobics and Piloxing exercise classes, which attracted over 1,100 participants, as well as the annual Family Fiesta to promote family bonding and healthy living messages.  They also supported HPB’s Ramadan and Hari Raya public education campaign to encourage the Malay community to adopt healthier habits for the festive season.

5.   I am glad that these efforts have not stopped despite the pandemic. JKJU mosques continued to reach out to their congregants virtually. For example, the Maarof Mosque organised weekly virtual Zumba Gold sessions. Enabling their congregants to remain physically active while at home. Just last week, over 100 representatives from the mosques, healthcare professionals and community partners also gathered for the virtual JKJU workplan.

6.   Such collaborations and partnerships are crucial. I encourage more mosques to join the JKJU initiative. Work closely with the People’s Association Malay Activity Executive Committee Council (or PA MESRA) and the Malay Activity Executive Committees. Because we are part of the wider community, and can contribute, in meaningful ways, to support our national goals. Because we are one nation, regardless of race,language or religion. All of us share a common vision to build a healthier and more resilient Singapore, where our people can live and age well. Consider activities like brisk walking with everyone in the neighbourhood, or with other faith groups.

7.   Today, we celebrate this spirit of community partnership and togetherness, through the JKJU Awards. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to Darul Makmur, Ahmad Ibrahim, Al-Istighfar, An-Nur, Maarof and AlKaff Upper Serangoon Mosque who have contributed the most in 2019 and 2020. Well done and keep up the good work! May your works inspire many more mosques to join us.

8.   I wish everyone a meaningful ceremony ahead.

9.   Thank you and stay safe!