This follows a Dec 7 statement by Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong claiming that JPA has made it mandatory for all civil servants to have a healthy BMI starting next year.

In a statement today, JPA said that while civil servants were encouraged to conduct self-health screenings, including checking their weight and height to determine their BMI status, it was not compulsory.

“However, the JPA has never issued any directive requiring public officials to maintain a balanced BMI,” the department said.

The JPA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the health ministry to address obesity among public officials and support broader public health improvement initiatives.

It also reminded that any public statements referencing the JPA must receive official approval and cautioned against using its name as an official reference without verifying the facts.