Dr Rosalia Saimon & Nurul Farahiyah Irwilla bt Alias
12 April 2026, Pasai Siong, Sibu
Rumah Jelian and Rumah Langi in Pasai Siong, Sibu, Sarawak have made history by collaborating with the
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti of Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) by launching the
Ruai-Fit Programme, bringing together residents of all ages in a collective effort to promote active and
healthier lifestyles.
Dr. Rosalia Saimon, the Ruai Fit supervisor, emphasized the importance of this programme in rural areas
where conditions like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease are more prevalent. These
diseases are increasingly affecting younger populations due to lifestyle factors such as inactivity, obesity,
stress, and poor diet. If left undetected and uncontrolled, they can severely impact quality of life and lead
to early death, placing a heavy burden on families and the nation’s healthcare system.
The programme featured a variety of engaging activities, including inter-agency sharing sessions, Wellness
on Wheels, mobile health and dental services, interactive exhibitions on healthy diets, posture exercises, a
jump rope challenge, brain games for the elderly, and multicultural dances, amplifying its impact.
The Ruai-Fit Programme highlights how longhouse communities can unite and get motivated to learn about
self-care while contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG
3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the
Goals).
Community leaders Tuai Jelian anak Nayor and Tuai Langi anak Ambau, along with partners from Sibu
Divisional Health Office, Pasai Siong Health Clinic, Jalan Oya Dental Clinic, Ministry of Youth and Sports,
Ministry of Youth and Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, and Sarawak Heart Foundation
worked together to ensure the event’s success and sustainability.
The programme was further enriched by the participation of UNIMAS international exchange students from
Osaka University, Japan, who engaged in the activities and facilitated cross-cultural interactions within the
community.
With strong support from community leaders Tuai Jelian anak Nayor and Tuai Langi anak Ambau, as well as
collaborating agencies – including Divisional Health Office (DHO) of Sibu, Pasai Siong Health Clinic, Jalan
Oya Dental Clinic, Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), Ministry of Youth and Sports and Entrepreneur
Development Sarawak (MYSED), Sarawak Heart Foundation (SHF) and 37 UNIMAS medical students – this initiative demonstrates how longhouse communities can promote overall health, and sustainability, while
contributing to SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 11 (Sustainable Communities), and 17 (Partnerships
for the Goals).
