CONCERNED over the safety of the public, especially the hikers in the Seri Delima neighbourhood, councillors from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) have contributed automated external defibrillators (AED) for public use.
MBPP councillor Wong Yuee Harng, who is also among the contributors, said two AEDs and a demo set, which comes with a mannequin, were donated to Community Policing Malaysia Penang Charity Team to be used for emergency response.
“Using our allocation as councillors, my colleagues, Tan Soo Siang, Alan Lim, Lee Wei Siang, Quah Boon Lim and I have contributed the AEDs as we believe that they could benefit many people out there.
“One (AED) will be installed at the uphill which can be handy for the hikers. Another one will be used as mobile AED by the Community Policing Malaysia Penang Charity Team.
“The demo kit, which comes with a mannequin, will be used for training purposes and to educate the public on the usage of AED.
“Apart from making AED accessible to the public, it is equally important for us to teach them how to use it,” said Wong during the handing-over ceremony of the AEDs to Community Policing Malaysia Penang Charity Team on Nov 1.
Wong also said in the last 20 days, three cases of heart attacks among the hikers were reported.
“Heart attacks do not only occur among the older people but also among young people. Thus, it is really important for us have access to AEDs in public space.
“I see that quite a number of people in Penang are involved in activities such as hiking, thus it is crucial to equip our people with first aid skills,” added Wong.
Also present was Community Policing Malaysia Penang Charity Team chairman Lim Teik Aun.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan