LABUAN — About 100 pupils took part in a health and nutrition programme organised by Hospital Universiti Malaysia Sabah (HUMS) at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Lada here recently.
The Jelajah Sembang Diet: Makan Sihat, Fikiran Baik, Badan Sihat programme, organised by the HUMS Dietetics and Food Services Unit, also involved accompanying teachers and two pupils each from four invited schools — SK Sungai Bedaun, SK Bukit Kalam, SK Layangan and SK Bebuloh.
Programme coordinator and HUMS Dietetics and Food Services Unit head Aqilah Karim said the initiative was aimed at helping pupils understand the importance of healthy eating and personal well-being through activities that were both educational and engaging.
“We want pupils to understand that healthy living starts with simple daily choices, including eating balanced meals and maintaining good hygiene and food safety practices,” she said.
She said the Mini Chef Competition also gave pupils an opportunity to put what they had learned into practice while developing greater awareness of safe and hygienic food preparation.
SK Sungai Lada headmaster Mohamad Rizdaudin Abdul Wahap said the programme complemented classroom learning by giving pupils practical knowledge that they could apply in their daily lives.
“The programme gives our pupils an opportunity to learn about health and nutrition in a fun and practical way. We hope the knowledge gained here will encourage them to make healthier choices both at school and at home,” he said.
The programme featured awareness talks covering health, cleanliness and safety, including the dangers of bullying and the importance of creating a safe and harmonious environment.
The Mini Chef Competition further enlivened the programme, with pupils taking part in food preparation activities while learning about hygiene and safety.
A Nota Hasrat Jalinan (Letter of Intent for Collaboration) was also signed as a symbolic step towards strengthening cooperation between SK Sungai Lada and external partners in health education and nutrition.
The initiative is expected to pave the way for further collaboration between educational and healthcare institutions in promoting healthy lifestyles among pupils.
