JOHOR BAHRU: A common emoji used by the people while texting is a yellow face with a big smile. Or the one that shows you laughing so hard till you cry.

That emoji has become the trend when people send text messages via WhatsApp to show that they can’t just stop laughing.

For many, World Laughter Day was celebrated recently in the city and according to mental health expert, laughter is the best medicine as it could help reduce pain and promote wellness.

And, that is exactly what the Johor Bahru Happy and Joyous Club has been doing all these years – who regularly practice accessible, intentional laughter techniques that promote wellness and overall well-being.

World Laughter Day is an annual event observed globally to highlight the notable healing benefits of laughter and acknowledge the thousands of community groups worldwide – commonly referred to as Laughter Clubs – who regularly practice accessible, intentional laughter techniques that promote wellness and overall well-being.

Johor Bahru Happy and Joyous Club president Koh Mui Cheng said laughter Wellness makes World Laughter Day particularly special by integrating laughter with the principles of mindfulness, positive psychology, fun-filled games and activities, and various relaxation techniques.

She said this unique approach enhances the healing power of laughter, taking it beyond mere enjoyment and transforming it into a purposeful, rejuvenating practice.

“World Laughter Day celebration bolsters the power of positive energy and provides a supportive environment to connect with other like-minded individuals,” she explained.

She went on to say that World Laughter Day celebration is a positive manifestation of World Peace. It builds a global consciousness of fraternity and friendship through laughter.

According to Koh, the first celebration was held in Mumbai, India, on May 10, 1998. It was organized by Dr. Madan Kataria, a pioneer of the Laughter Yoga movement worldwide.

Its popularity has exponentially grown with that of the ‘Laughter Yoga movement’ and World Laughter Day is celebrated in more than 70 countries around the world.

Koh stressed that the club’s objectives is to bring people of diverse walks of life together and bring everlasting peace through laughter.

“We also encourage the general public to get rid of their inhibitions and achieve self-confidence,” she said.

She also mentioned that they try to discover the benefits of laughter therapy on normal individuals and those suffering from stress related diseases.

However, she said their main task is to spread the message of good health and fitness all over Malaysia and create a stress-free society.

Not mincing her words, she said laughter is a rather strong emotion that is positive and powerful which can enable individuals to master themselves and to change the world to a better place.

“By inner laughter it means spirit of the laughter where the laughter spreads to one another expanding more joy and peace to everyone participating,” she said.

She even went further stating that one of World Laughter Day motives is to eradicate sadness and bring cheer and happiness to all.

She hopes that in this year and many more years to come the club hopes to create the awareness of the importance of peace and laughter among our Malaysian family and around the globe.

The members spread their joy and laughter at the Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si temple in Taman Sutera Utama.

Officiating the event was Marina Ibrahim, state assemblywoman of Skudai.

A number of non-governmental organization (NGOs), schools and the public participated in the celebration.

The event began with a warm-up fitness dance stretch by Milron Seah. It was indeed a sight to behold as everyone was in full gear to get themselves whipped into shape.

This was followed by some laughter exercises led by Wendy Hoo. She made sure the participants laughed their way out and had fun.

Khedlly Koh then presented a World Laughter Day song. She mesmerized the audience with the lovely song.

To keep everyone in stitches a clown dance followed led by Maggie Chong. Her clowning was indeed hilarious from beginning till the end.

The participants also enjoyed exciting activities such as the interactive drum circle, singing performances, Michael Jackson dance impersonations and more.

The highlight of the programme is the selection of the laughter king, queen, prince and princess.

The winners for the laughter king and queen were given a trophy and hamper each while for the laughter prince and princess received a medal and gift pack.

The event ended with everyone laughing their hearts out followed by a grand finale of the laughter march.