Mandate AEDs in public spaces to save lives, says Lee Lam Thye

New Straits Times

27-04-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Public facilities must be equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) as sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time, says Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Whether at a shopping mall, workplace, sports facility or on public transportation, cardiac arrest is a silent killer and survival rates drop by 7 to 10 per cent for every minute without defibrillation, he added.
"When an AED is used within the first few minutes, survival rates can be as high as 70 per cent. This is why AEDs must be readily accessible to the public, just like fire extinguishers," Lee said in a statement.
He said AEDs are designed for ease of use, with clear voice instructions that enable even untrained bystanders to operate them safely, as the device only delivers a shock if necessary.
Given their life-saving benefits, Lee questioned why AEDs were still not widely available in Malaysia, calling for their mandatory installation across all public facilities.
"This includes government buildings, transportation hubs, shopping malls, schools, sports complexes, and workplaces. Just as we require emergency exits and fire extinguishers, AEDs should be a non-negotiable safety measure," he said.
While acknowledging that AEDs are costly—ranging from RM6,000 to RM25,000—Lee suggested tax exemptions or subsidies to encourage wider adoption.
"There should also be a fixed ceiling price for AED consumables such as batteries and pads," he proposed.
Highlighting examples, Lee pointed to the tragic death of 17-year-old badminton player Zhang Zhijie in Indonesia, saying, "A valuable international badminton player could have been saved if someone performed CPR and used an AED immediately."
By contrast, he noted a success story involving Mdm Kristil of St John Ambulance Malaysia, who saved a life during a badminton tournament in Melaka using her personal AED.
Lee also cited recent incidents in Penang where toddlers' lives were saved thanks to the rapid deployment of AEDs by volunteers riding motorcycles equipped with the devices.
He said making AEDs compulsory was a critical first step, adding that governments must lead the way by introducing regulations, funding programmes, and public awareness campaigns.
Lee said that beyond accessibility, Malaysia must prioritise public training, stating, "The availability of AED is not enough if the public lacks the confidence or knowledge to use them."
He urged the government and private sector to support free community CPR and AED training, suggesting companies could incorporate such initiatives into their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts.
"Let's advocate for policies that make AEDs compulsory, push for government support, and encourage tax incentives to make them more accessible," Lee said.