Police in Malaysia have been given a stern warning not to turn obese as this can not only affect their health but also jeopardise their chances for promotion.
 
Utusan Malaysia today carried on its front page a warning from Bukit Aman-based police management department director Mohamad Fuzi Harun that fat cops won’t be tolerated, whether new recruits or higher-ranked officials.
 
“In the new policy, all police personnel must be fit and healthy and watching their weight to ensure no questions are raised by the public,” Mohamad Fuzi was quoted as saying by the daily.
 
He added that they would not be taking in overweight individuals to avoid the police being looked down by the public, pointing out that they also wouldn’t look smart in uniform.
 
According to Mohamad Fuzi, there are over 124,000 police personnel including high-ranking officers, whom are overweight. He said his department has been constantly taking measures on this.
 
This issue was raised after Utusan posted a feature on obesity among police and army staff in their 'Bisik-bisik Awang Selamat' section.

Among those who have come under fire were high-ranking officers.
 
“They should be in top shape if they want to lead the people below them and be as active as them,” Mohamad Fuzi said.
 
To this end, he urged all police personnel to take time off to exercise or participate in sports.