Kong calls for action after AED found missing from box at Stutong Market

KUCHING (Jan 6): Concerns have been raised over the accessibility of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at Stutong Market here after it was found not placed in its designated box, prompting calls for immediate action by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS).

Michael Kong, who is the special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, expressed serious concern after learning from traders at the market that the AED is currently kept at the management office of Stutong Market.

“However, there are no signs to notify the public of this, which is extremely concerning.

“In an emergency, every precious second matters. Members of the public will instinctively rush to the clearly marked AED box, only to be met with an empty casing.

“Such a situation not only defeats the purpose of installing AEDs, but also puts lives at serious risk,” he said in a statement.

He urged MBKS to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves.

“The council has a responsibility to ensure that all installed AEDs are properly placed, secured in their designated locations, and routinely checked to ensure they are accessible and functional at all times.

“Installing AEDs alone is not enough. Proper placement, maintenance and accountability are equally important,” he said.

Kong further urged MBKS to take immediate action at Stutong Market and to conduct comprehensive inspection of all AED installations under its jurisdiction to ensure public safety is not compromised.

He pointed out that AEDs have repeatedly proven to be life-saving devices, citing a recent incident at the Sentosa Sports Centre where an installed AED was successfully used to save a person’s life.

“This alone underscores how critical AEDs are, especially in areas with high physical activity where cardiac emergencies are more likely to occur.

“This is precisely why DAP Stampin has taken the initiative to install AEDs at sports facilities, where immediate access to such devices can mean the different between life and death,” he said.