Two major Sibu markets are equipped with AEDs for quick life-saving action.

SIBU, Oct. 7: Two major markets in the city will be equipped with automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) to speed up lifesaving actions in case of heart-related emergency.

Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, Member of the National Advisory Council (ADUN) of Mount Assek, said that two units of AED were sponsored to be placed at the Tiong Hua Road Interim Market and Sibu Central Market.

He said the provision of such facilities was important given that both markets are a daily focus for people, thereby improving the level of security of the conquerors, traders and visitors.

"The marketplace is a place where people shop for daily necessities, enjoy food and do various activities.

"Therefore, the provision of AEDs in such locations is crucial to allow emergency assistance to be provided immediately in case of cardiac arrest", he told reporters after completing the launch ceremony at the AED at the Tiong Hua Road Interim Market today.

Joseph said heart disease is still among the leading causes of death in Malaysia with 17,421 deaths recorded in 2024, equivalent to an average of about 1,452 deaths per month.

He suggests that cardiac arrest can occur abruptly when a person is engaged in daily activities, such as shopping or being at the market.

"In emergency situations like this, every minute is precious because the initial period of about four minutes is critical to delivering life-saving assistance", he said.

He said the use of AEDs should be accompanied by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) assistance to increase the chances of cardiac arrest victims being saved, and hopes that more facilities can be provided in public areas.

"With the help of CPR and AED, we hope that more lives can be saved in emergencies as well as creating safer communities, especially in the Asek Hills area", he said.

The program is co-organized with the Lions Sibu Mandrin Club and SABERKAS Branch of Assek Hill.