250 POLIS GEMOK DIEDED LAST YEAR, Weight Loss program must be permanent 
Jan 10 2016, 08:18 AM, updated 10y ago
By Norshazlina Nor'azman
KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) -- Policemen whose body mass index (BMI) exceed the acceptable levels are constantly being advised to get into shape so that they can discharge their duties more effectively and efficiently.
They are also reminded from time to time that their poor physiques could cost them their confirmation or promotion at work.
Unfortunately, many of them continue to turn a deaf ear to such advice.
Yesterday, Bukit Aman's Director of Management Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah announced that it would become mandatory for all policemen to pass the BMI and other fitness tests in order to be considered for promotions or confirmation of posts.
The new ruling is expected to be enforced by the end of this year.
CONDITION FOR PROMOTION
Zulkifli had also said that some 250 police personnel died last year due to obesity-related ailments such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension, which were usually caused by lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits.
Bukit Aman has introduced a pilot weight-loss programme called 'Trim & Fit 2016' to help obese policemen shed their extra weight and improve their fitness levels.
Thirty-five policemen and officers from Bukit Aman's Management Department will participate in the six-month long programme, which will take off this month.
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation Vice-Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said although the mandatory physical fitness requirement appeared stringent, it was necessary to impose the condition as it was in line with the responsibilities and challenges shouldered by the police force.
He said the physical conditions of obese or overweight policemen would prevent them from discharging their duties, including giving chase to criminals, swiftly and effectively.
GOOD INITIATIVE
"We must support Bukit Aman's intention to make it mandatory for all policemen and officers to be in good physical shape... we don't want their weight to stop them from carrying out their duties efficiently.
"Although weight is not the only criteria for promotion, the health aspect must be emphasised and every member of the police force must take heed of their physical condition," Lee told Bernama, when contacted.
Describing the Trim & Fit programme as a good initiative, he said he hoped it would be an ongoing affair as it would help raise awareness on the importance of being slim and healthy.
"I hope they don't organise it just once or whenever they feel like doing so... if they want it to have a positive impact over the long term, then it (the programme) should be made a permanent feature. Participation should also be made compulsory," he said.
Lee added that others in the civil service, particularly those in the security and enforcement sectors, should also be made to undergo weight-loss programmes.
"Besides the police force, other enforcement agencies also face obesity issues... by right, all their officers should be trim and fit, as well as energetic and active," he said.
PROJECT A GOOD IMAGE
By adopting a healthy lifestyle, policemen can keep obesity at bay and keep themselves fit and healthy which, in turn, will enhance the image of the police force.
Crime analyst Datuk Akhbar Satar said Bukit Aman's fitness requirement for policemen seeking promotions and confirmations should have been introduced long ago to preserve the image and professionalism of the police force.
"Society is always cynical of policemen who are fat and pot-bellied because, obviously, they are not as efficient as their colleagues who are in good physical shape.
"Policemen who are overweight but are already used to the challenging nature of their work should not allow the new condition to stress them out. Instead, they should take it positively and do what is needed of them," he said.
-- BERNAMA
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