Make CPR a compulsory subject in schools, St John Ambulance S'wak chairman to federal govt
KUCHING (June 30): St John Ambulance Sarawak chairman and commander Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon appealed to the federal government to make cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) a compulsory subject in schools.
Ang said his early proposal was fully supported by the then-federal Ministry of Education, but due to the several changes in federal government leadership, it was not implemented.
'The Ministry of Education was always open to ideas to improve the country's education system,' he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the St John Ambulance First Aid and Home Nursing Competition 2025 at St John Ambulance Sarawak headquarters here yesterday.
His text-of-speech was delivered by St John Ambulance Sarawak deputy chairman Datuk Dr Yao Sik Chi.
Ang however was confident the newly-elected federal government would follow up on the proposal, as CPR education was a major health concern rather than a political issue.
He said implementing the initiative would require minimal cost, but could benefit thousands of Malaysians across all levels of society.
'With more people trained in CPR, ambulances would not need to hold up traffic; doctors, nurses and supporting staff are less stressed; millions and millions of dollars would be saved by the government and the private sector — it is a win-win situation,' he said.
He pointed out that Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah had also given her support for CPR being made a necessary skill for youths to learn.
'She said it could be incorporated as a component under the physical and health education subject and could be made compulsory for students.'
Ang hoped to garner the full support of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim; federal Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who is also St John Ambulance Malaysia deputy president; Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg; and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian for the CPR training proposal to be legislated in Parliament on a non-partisan basis with support from all MPs.
He added that a budget for the supply of free automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to certain designated places should be tabled in the parliament.
'Once implemented, it would be a milestone in the history of health care in the country. Other countries can follow us,' he said.
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