More AEDs needed in public spaces to improve heart attack response, says MP

New Straits Times

05-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: More Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) should be made available in public spaces such as shopping malls and condominiums to improve emergency response to heart attacks.
Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok said heart attacks often strike without warning and that in such emergencies, 'every second counts'.
"This is when an AED truly becomes a lifesaver.
"AEDs should be as common as fire extinguishers.
"They are not just equipment, but a source of hope for patients.
"It's time we normalised being prepared for cardiac emergencies in our daily lives," she said during the handover ceremony of an AED device at Vivo @ 9 Seputeh, donated by RENN Asia Wellness and the Rotary Club of Ara Damansara (RCAD).
The initiative aims to boost public safety and community preparedness.
The AED, installed near the main drop-off point, will benefit some 10,000 residents, business operators, visitors, as well as parents and students of an international school.
"This initiative by RENN Asia and RCAD proves that community collaboration can save lives and improve public safety in Kuala Lumpur.
"I congratulate RENN Asia and RCAD on this proactive step.
"Hopefully, more parties will come forward to work together for the common good and to protect our loved ones, especially parents, in conjunction with the upcoming Mother's Day and Father's Day celebrations," she said.
She also expressed appreciation to St John Ambulance of Malaysia for providing CPR and AED usage training to Vivo residents and the public as part of the programme.
RENN Asia Wellness founder and chief executive officer Jonathan Chew said the collaboration with RCAD would benefit residents, business owners, shoppers, and daily visitors, including parents of students at Campus Rangers International School in the area.
"Sudden cardiac arrest claims thousands of lives in Malaysia every year, and survival often depends on the availability of CPR and immediate access to an AED.
"Every minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 10 per cent," said Chew, adding that the use of AEDs could help save lives in critical situations.
He said research showed that defibrillation within the first three to five minutes of a cardiac arrest can increase the chances of survival by up to 40 per cent.
Meanwhile, RCAD president Ling Hau Ching said the initiative aims to save lives in public places that are frequently visited.
"Cardiac arrests can happen anywhere, and they no longer affect only the elderly – young people are also at risk.
"This is why RCAD launched the 'A Life-Saver in Every Home' (ALEH) campaign this year.
"Today, we are proud to have trained up to 20 individuals through this collaboration with St John Ambulance Malaysia," Ling said.
"This is a step towards turning awareness into action.
"With an AED available here and trained individuals on-site, we're creating an added layer of protection for the Vivo community."
Kok later witnessed the handover of the AED unit to Vivo's Building Management Corporation manager Yong Choo Hong, who represented chairman Loh Cheng Fatt.
The device was handed over by Chew and Ling.
Also present were Rotary International District 3300 Assistant Governor Gordan Vong and incoming Assistant Governor Lim Yee Von.