PETALING JAYA: Five automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) have been distributed for installation around the Klang Valley as part of an initiative by the Malaysia Entrepreneurs’ Development Association (PUMM) to give back to the community, says its national president Datuk Dr Teh Tai Yong.
With the help of its members who are entrepreneurs, the association raised funds earlier this year, for the purchase of 20 AEDs, each costing around RM9,000.
Efforts are underway to set up the remaining machines across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor over the rest of the year, he added.
Following the installation of an AED at Kapar police station, Teh said the rest of the devices will be placed in public spaces selected by the sponsors including schools and sports centres.
“The main focus is high-risk areas like sport centres and places with high foot traffic,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the initiative, Teh said PUMM’s efforts will not stop at the sponsorship and installation of these machines.
“Having access to these machines is one thing, but making sure that the public is confident about how to use them is another matter,” he said, adding that Sunway Medical Centre is a strategic partner with PUMM.
Teh said PUMM is working alongside emergency response personnel to make AED training sessions widely available and accessible to the Malaysian public.
He stressed the importance of expanding access and facilitating education on AEDs to prevent unnecessary deaths.
Essential equipment: A visitor walking by an AED machine at Sunway Velocity mall in Kuala Lumpur. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
“If someone collapses from cardiac arrest, life-saving care has to be administered within four minutes to increase the victim’s chances of survival,” he added.
Teh commended the Selangor government for its recent announcement that 56 devices will be distributed to government-owned buildings. “PUMM is proud to be part of this initiative,” he added.
As a non-governmental organisation, Teh said that implementing such initiatives are reflective of their commitment to promoting positive social impact.
“We want to give back to the community and raise awareness about this very important health issue,” he said.
