Selangor pushes for mandatory AEDs in public spaces

The Star

2 days ago

PETALING JAYA: Selangor is currently developing a comprehensive guideline to ensure new developments are equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), says state exco member Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
'Looking ahead, the state hopes to expand the presence of AEDs by making them mandatory in key public areas,' said Jamaliah, who is state public health and environment committee chairman.
'The focus is on locations with high foot traffic and risk of cardiac incidents, such as sports venues, public parks, places of worship and recreational centres.'
She observed that there had been a rise of incidents during sporting activities held at badminton and pickleball courts, hence the need for AEDs as a public safety measure.
Jamaliah said Selangor is currently refining its guideline and is studying models from other states, with Penang being one of the few to have implemented something similar.
'We want to ensure the guideline is effective, as it may involve specific conditions. We are also exploring how it can be implemented in phases.
'The state government will be gathering feedback from local councils to tailor the guideline effectively,' she said, while acknowledging that each local council may have differing licensing procedures.
'The goal is to ensure proper coordination between all agencies and local councils.'
Jamaliah noted that heart attacks remain the leading cause of death in Malaysia, and every minute without cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or AED intervention reduces the victim's chances of survival by approximately 7%.
The Bandar Utama assemblyman was speaking after witnessing the handover of an AED device from the Rotary Club of Ara Damansara to Masjid Al-Makmuriah in Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara on Tuesday (Aug 5).