FOLLOWING greater interest on the traditional Malay Archipelago martial arts, silat after the release of the movie Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan (Mat Kilau: The Rise of a Warrior) in cinemas, the Health Ministry (MOH) joined the foray to share the health benefits of practising the art.
In an infographic, MOH stated that silat offers various health benefits to its practitioners, such as helping to stabilise blood pressure, reduce health risks and improve focus and confidence.
It added that silat also increase physical endurance, brings balance to the system and increases muscle strength.
“Silat is categorised as a martial art that bring health benefits and improves physical endurance.
“We can use it to promote a healthy lifestyle, in addition to bringing spiritual and mental wellbeing. However, please be reminded to warm up first before doing any exercise to reduce risk of injury,” MOH mentioned in a caption.
Several netizens were delighted by the information provided on silat and lauded the MOH for it.
(I joined the martial arts group back in my secondary school days and my child will be joining the practisein the next school session.)
Echoing Viki’s sentiments, user Ana Dullah added:
(I love this type of fitness post apart from information on right eating habits)
Netizen Haziq Rahmat noted:
(This is how you spread good information unlike in the past where MOH says things just to apple-polish certain leaders, where you only get criticised for it)
Focus on COVID-19, please
However, several other netizens scoffed at MOH and urged the ministry to focus on the upcoming spike in the COVID-19 wave as announced by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin a week earlier.
(Come on MOH, focus on your portfolio. The new COVID-19 wave is coming)
Netizen Zu Ahiar remarked:
(Once the Mat Kilau phase passes, the enthusiasm to learn silat will end. Later on, when Thor arrives at the cinemas and people will start grabbing for popcorn and soda again) – July 2, 2022.
