Charity event also raises RM20,000 for ambulance service
A LIFE-SAVING automated external defibrillator (AED) has been installed at SS15 community hall in Subang Jaya, Selangor, and can be accessed by the public in case of a cardiac emergency.
The AED was unveiled during the 28-hour Pickleball Charity Marathon Subang Jaya, organised by the office of Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) councillor Ken Chia, MySJClub and Subang Jaya Community Ambulance (SJ Beacon).
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED training were provided as well.
The pickleball event raised over RM20,000 with proceeds going to SJ Beacon.
The event was attended by Selangor public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin who commended the community for the initiative.
She said such events reflected the strength of the community and encouraged more grassroots initiatives.
“Besides hosting the pickleball marathon, the community also took the proactive step of installing an AED.
“They recognised the importance of having one available and paired it with CPR and AED training.
“Communities should continue to take the lead in initiatives like this,” she said.
Chia said he lost 18kg over the past year playing pickleball.
“It is a great sport that promotes a healthy lifestyle and brings the community together,” he said.
Pleased that the hall was now equipped with an AED, he recalled an incident where a pickleball player collapsed after a game and had to be taken to the hospital in a community ambulance.
SJ Beacon representative Teoh Teik Hoong said the pickleball marathon was especially meaningful because the community ambulance service was the beneficiary.
“This is the first time we have organised a pickleball charity marathon.
“We hope to include other sporting events in the future,” he said, adding that about RM25,000 was needed a month to operate the ambulance service and paying the staff salary.
Teoh said the ambulance responded to between 90 and 100 cases each month.
“The service has played a significant role in the community, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We operate from 8am to 8pm daily, as this is the busiest period.
“Our aim is to serve the Subang Jaya community and ease the burden on ambulance services provided by the Health Ministry,” he added.
