Govt must create more green areas for workouts

AS a resident of Taman Tun Dr Ismail, I frequently walk up the Bukit Kiara jogging trail. Some find the 5km circuit challenging as there are steep inclines. But at the end of it, all agree that they, indeed, get a good workout.

Last week, I met a friend, a cardiologist who works at the National Heart Institute (IJN). He was my walking partner that day.

He asked me to look at the racial mix of the walkers, joggers and cyclists there. One thing was clear: about 80 to 90 per cent of the crowd were Chinese.

At the TTDI Lake Park, there were large groups doing qi gong, line - dancing and fan- dancing. Again, the Chinese are the main participants. Why is this? Is this a cultural thing or are they simply more health-conscious?

Why are the other communities not exercising as much and as regularly? Are their priorities different?

Are they too busy with their daily lives that during their working years, they do not have time for physical activities?

By the time they realise this, it may be too late. And not forgetting the associated escalating health bills in later years.

My friend told me that those