According to state health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen (PH- Padang Lalang), the state Health Department has recently installed 168 automated external defibrillators (AED) in various locations across Penang. Additionally, the local councils, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP), have also contributed by installing 21 AED machines, with three on the mainland and 18 on the island.
Gooi also mentioned that NGOs, under the management of Penang Heart Safe Society, have installed approximately 200 AEDs and an additional 45 units are expected to be installed in the near future. The installation of AED machines is carefully executed based on response time, incidence rate, high-risk activities, and areas with high population density. Currently, MBPP is in the midst of installing 48 AEDs at various locations on the island including public markets, government health clinics, and state government offices.
A significant development is the establishment of the Penang CPR-AED Committee on Nov 14, 2023, under the state health committee. This committee will oversee the formulation of policies related to AED installation in the state, as well as monitor the effectiveness of the installation locations and ensure standardized training for AED and CPR for the general public. The committee will also focus on accrediting certified AED equipment suppliers and ensuring post-sales training and after-sales service for each installed AED device.
