It is good for your heart - YDP Agong urges Malaysians to exercise more

Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah hopes to see Malaysians lead a healthy lifestyle and actively take part in sports.

Ahead of His Majesty's ceremonial installation as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia on July 30, an exclusive interview with Astro Awani was held at the National Palace, discussing various topics including sports.

Al-Sultan Abdullah's passion for sports such as football, hockey, polo, tennis and squash saw His Majesty being actively involved in the local sports scene in various capacities, including previously leading the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).

Despite currently exercising the duty as YDP Agong, sports were never far from His Majesty's mind.

"I consider sports as one of my daily routines. Yes, we might be too busy [to play sports], but we must not forget to spend time on making our bodies healthier.

"Especially when we are older, we should at least walk more, maybe for 20 minutes or half an hour every day.

"Any amount of steps will do [because] people might be busy [but it will be great if we can walk] 10,000 steps every day to keep the doctor away, and whatever sport you do, it is good for your heart.

"I also believe that when we exercise, we must work our hearts out, not just sweating. It is the body's engine," Al-Sultan Abdullah told Awani.

Watch a special interview with Al-Sultan Abdullah on Astro Awani (CH501), Astro Ria (CH104), Astro AEC (CH301), Astro Vaanavil (CH201) and Astro Hello (CH110) at 9pm on July 30.