Latest news with #StJohnAmbulanceMalaysia
The Star
31-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
New ambulance initiative to boost Selangor health support system
(From left) Lim with Ganabatirau, Jamaliah and Lai at the fundraising dinner. — Courtesy photo SELANGOR government will implement its 'Ambulans Kita Selangor' programme to strengthen the support system and boost public access to healthcare in the state. State public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the initiative, to be implemented soon, would provide free non-emergency ambulance services for the needy, particularly for treatment appointments, follow-ups and periodic treatment sessions at hospitals and certified healthcare centres. 'Through this 'Ambulans Kita Selangor' programme, the state government wishes to offer more efficient, systematic and easily accessible ambulance services, with St John Ambulance Malaysia (SJAM) Selangor acting as a key strategic partner. 'As the implementation partner, St John Ambulance Malaysia's role will have a significant impact not only in expanding service accessibility, but also in further empowering the state's comprehensive health system,' she said in a statement. Jamaliah said such efforts were proof of the state government's continued commitment to strengthening the public health services sector through collaboration with experienced and trusted strategic partners. She was speaking after launching the SJAM Selangor Darul Ehsan (SJAM-SDE) state building fund charity dinner in Shah Alam. Also present at the dinner were Klang MP V. Ganabatirau, SJAM commander- in-chief Datuk Lai See Ming and SJAM-SDE state commander Lim Wun Lok. Jamaliah also thanked SJAM-SDE for its continued contributions in the field of emergency services, first aid education and other charitable initiatives, including the establishment of the Ophthalmic Care Unit that focused on the eye health of vulnerable groups. The charity dinner aimed to raise funds to support various community initiatives as well as the construction of the new headquarters of SJAM-SDE, which will be a more efficient centre for operations, training and volunteer management.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Mandate AEDs in public spaces to save lives, says Lee Lam Thye
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.
