KUCHING: The Sarawak government is drafting legislation to make the installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) mandatory in public spaces, a move aimed at enhancing emergency response readiness.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said public areas such as badminton courts, tennis courts, football fields, and shopping malls should be equipped with AEDs.
“We must not only ensure AED coverage but also educate the public on their locations and proper usage. Without this knowledge, having numerous AEDs will serve little purpose.
“Education and training are therefore our next crucial tasks,” he said when attending a children’s colouring competition awards ceremony organised by the Malaysian Red Crescent Stampin Chapter and the Kuching Siburan Kenyalang Community Development and Safety Committee on Saturday.
Dr Sim who serves as the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister stressed the importance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and AED use during the critical waiting period for professional emergency responders.
He added that while the Batu Kawa Riverbank Park is already equipped with AEDs, many remain unaware of their presence or lack the knowledge to operate them effectively, rendering the devices underutilised.
Moving forward, the Sarawak government plans to promote first aid knowledge through community programmes.
These initiatives aim to ensure that every Sarawakian can master the basic skills of AED operation, supporting the widespread adoption of AEDs and first aid education.
“This effort will enable victims of sudden cardiac arrest to receive immediate assistance, ultimately saving more lives,” said Dr Sim.
