Deputy Premier: Wider AED access, greater CPR awareness key to building more inclusive, developed Sarawak

Borneo Post

2 days ago

John (third right) and Dr Chou (sixth right) hold an AED unit as Dr Sim (fifth right) looks on during a group photo today. – Photo by Kong Jun Liung
KUCHING (Aug 1): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called for greater accessibility to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and increased public awareness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as Sarawak moves toward becoming a more inclusive and developed society.
He said while having AEDs in public spaces is vital, public understanding of CPR is equally critical in saving lives during emergencies.
'Someone can collapse, and within five minutes, if you don't help them, even if the heart rhythm returns later, the brain may be dead.
'More people must learn CPR and teaching secondary school students is a good start.
'At least they will know what to do at home if their grandparents collapse,' he told reporters after witnessing the handing-over ceremony of AEDs to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Kuching branch and the Unifor Complex here today.
The AEDs were donated by Mindray AED.
Dr Sim, who is also State Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said while AED units can range from RM6,000 to RM8,000 depending on features, basic models suitable for emergencies can cost under RM4,000.
'What we need is a basic AED that delivers a 300 to 360-joule shock.
'But that technology, some of it even can check your respiration and all those things, so it depends on what you need,' he said.
On whether the government would provide AEDs in public spaces, Dr Sim said it should be a shared responsibility.
'It's no longer an excuse for public places like hotels or malls to say they can't afford one. It shouldn't be entirely the government's job.
'Everyone must play a part in nation-building. It shouldn't always be up to the government. Public facilities such as hotels and malls should take responsibility.
'There's no excuse anymore to say an AED is unaffordable,' he said.
He added that Sarawak is currently reviewing its building ordinance to include requirements for AEDs, fire safety, and sustainability standards under the Green Building Index.
'The building ordinance is being reviewed to bring it up to date with current needs. If we talk about sustainability, our laws must reflect that,' he said.
Meanwhile, MRCS Kuching Branch Deputy Chairman Dr Chou Chii Ming highlighted the organisation's ongoing campaign to promote CPR and AED awareness.
'This year, we launched a campaign focusing on CPR and AED education.
'We've partnered with DBKU (Kuching North City Commission) and the state Education Department to conduct training and demonstrations for their staff,' he said.
He added that MRCS Kuching has also begun conducting CPR and AED training in secondary schools across the city to equip the younger generation with essential life-saving skills.