Malaysians among least active walkers — more walkable cities could change that
Let's walk the talk.
WHILE walking is widely recognised as a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, Malaysia’s low walkability and daily step counts raise concerns about the nation’s physical activity levels. The country’s car-centric infrastructure further amplifies the challenge of promoting healthier lifestyles.
That being said, Malaysia’s urban landscape tells a story of convenience, but not necessarily one of health.
A 2017 global study published in Nature by Stanford University revealed that Malaysians are among the least active walkers globally, averaging just 3,963 steps per day. This places Malaysia third among countries with the lowest daily step counts, behind Indonesia (3,513 steps) and Saudi Arabia (3,807 steps).
By contrast, residents of Hong Kong—the most active walkers—log an average of 6,880 steps daily. The study, which analysed data from over 717,000 people across 111 countries using smartphone tracking over 95 days, highlighted significant global disparities in physical activity levels.
This issue isn’t unique to Malaysia. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that nearly one-third (31 per cent) of adults worldwide—about 1.8 billion people—fail to meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly.
This figure, which has risen by 5 per cent since 2010, is projected to reach 35 per cent by 2030 if current trends persist. Physical inactivity also reveals gender and age gaps. Globally, women are 5 per cent less active than men, a trend unchanged since 2000.
Additionally, activity levels drop significantly after the age of 60.
Among adolescents aged 11–17, inactivity is even more alarming, with 81 per cent failing to meet activity guidelines. Adolescent girls are particularly affected, with 85 per cent classified as inactive compared to 78 per cent of boys.
The global inactivity crisis, including Malaysia’s situation, stems from various factors such as urban design, social norms, cultural habits, and economic barriers.
Addressing these challenges requires a shift toward more walkable cities and community-driven initiatives to make physical activity an accessible and integral part of daily life.
THE COST OF SEDENTARY LIFESTYLES
The implications of Malaysia’s low step count go beyond global rankings. According to the 2023 National Health and Morbidity Survey, more than half of Malaysians are overweight or obese, highlighting a lifestyle crisis rooted in a lack of physical activity.
Walking, a simple and effective form of exercise, is often neglected. Today, many people lead sedentary lives, spending long hours sitting at desks, scrolling through the internet for long hours or go through prolonged periods of watching TV.
Walking is vital for fitness, with experts recommending 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily. Unfortunately, the lack of walkable spaces in Malaysia’s urban centres makes this difficult. Poorly designed sidewalks and limited pedestrian-friendly areas prevent people from easily incorporating walking into their daily routines.
A Stanford study found a direct link between a city’s walkability and the physical activity levels of its residents, showing how urban design influences healthier habits. Without better planning, the cost of sedentary lifestyles will continue to affect both physical and mental health in Malaysia.
Narrow sidewalks, lack of shade, and insufficient pedestrian crossings make walking inconvenient, if not outright dangerous.
Kuala Lumpur, for instance, prioritises cars, with sprawling highways and limited public transport options reinforcing car dependency. This infrastructure limits opportunities for walking, further discouraging Malaysians from incorporating steps into their daily routines.
The urban design contrasts starkly with cities like Hong Kong, where walkable environments are the norm. In Hong Kong, integrated public transport systems and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure encourage walking as part of daily life.
This accessibility is a crucial factor in their population’s higher step count and better overall health metrics.
STEPS TO A HEALTHIER FUTURE
It was reported that physical inactivity accounts for 5.3 million deaths annually worldwide.
Increasing Malaysia’s walkability could lead to a significant improvement in public health, reducing obesity rates and enhancing quality of life.
Stanford study findings should serve as a wake-up call. Malaysians have the opportunity to reshape their cities and their habits to embrace healthier, more active lifestyles.
By prioritising walkability, Malaysia can turn its low step count into a stride towards better health and well-being for all.
