KUCHING: The Sarawak Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) proposes that all public places in Sarawak be equipped with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices as part of efforts to increase preparedness for emergencies related to heart attacks.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian, said amendments to the Building Ordinance are being worked on to include new regulations, such as the requirement to install AEDs in public locations.

“We have amended the Building Ordinance and are awaiting review by the Sarawak Attorney General with the hope that it can be tabled in the next Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting. One of the new regulations that is timely is the requirement for AEDs in public places,” he said.

He said this to reporters after the AED Presentation Ceremony between UNIFOR and the Kuching District Red Crescent, here on Friday.

Datuk Amar Dr. Sim, who is also the Minister of Housing and Local Government, added that heart disease is the number one killer in Sarawak and the public often witness incidents of individuals collapsing suddenly.

He said, in this situation, the presence of an AED nearby can save lives.

However, he stressed that installing an AED alone is not enough without the knowledge of the people to use it.

“We need to ensure that the people know how to perform CPR and operate an AED. That is why training through agencies such as the Malaysian Red Crescent, UNIMAS and St. John Ambulance Malaysia is very important,” he explained.

In addition, the MPHLG also took the opportunity to update various building regulations including introducing a “green index” in line with the Sarawak Premier’s vision towards sustainable development. -UKASnews