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Dr Sim: Urgent need for CPR, AED awareness as heart attacks, sudden collapses on the rise
Ting (fourth right) in a group photo with participants. Also seen are Yap (second left) and Dr Chow (third right).
KUCHING (June 22): Cases of heart attacks and sudden collapses are reported to be on the rise in Sarawak, which can be fatal if immediate assistance is not provided, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said as such, there is an urgent need for awareness and training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) among the community.
'Awareness and training in CPR and the use of AEDs are extremely important and must be disseminated across all levels of society to save lives in emergency situations,' he said at the Run to Save Lives 5.0 organised by the Malaysian Red Crescent Sarawak (MRCS) Kuching Chapter today.
His text of speech was delivered by Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting.
Dr Sim said the Sarawak government welcomed any initiatives by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the MRCS and private sectors to work together in widely promoting this knowledge.
He also commended the efforts of MRC Kuching for actively organising CPR and AED awareness training and for involving more schools and communities in their programmes.
'I was informed that 28 primary and secondary schools are participating in this year's Run to Save Lives event.
'This shows that Sarawak's younger generation is becoming increasingly engaged in community initiatives,' he said.
He added that such efforts are crucial in shaping a generation that not only excels academically but is also sensitive to health and community safety issues.
In the context of Sarawak's encouraging economic development, Dr Sim stressed that the health and well-being of the people must remain a top priority that should not be taken lightly.
'Events like this not only help raise funds but also spread important messages about healthy lifestyles and preparedness in emergency situations,' he said.
He expressed hope that more Sarawakians, especially the younger generation, will step up to support and participate in community initiatives for the greater good.
Also present were Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap and event organising chairman Dr Chow Chee Ming.
