KUCHING – A medical emergency at Stutong Community Market on 27 December 2025 highlighted the importance of public access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
At around 8.15 am, an elderly woman collapsed near a cake stall on the ground floor. Witnesses quickly responded, with members of the public performing CPR while others retrieved the AED installed at the market by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
Emergency services were contacted, and the ambulance arrived shortly after to continue medical care.
Despite the swift intervention and use of the AED, the woman could not be revived. The incident underscored both the fragility of life and the value of community action in critical moments.
MBKS confirmed that the AED was deployed during the emergency, countering speculation that the device had been missing.
Officials explained that once an AED is used, it must undergo a full safety check, including pad replacement and technical assessment, before being redeployed. This process is essential to ensure reliability in future emergencies.
Following the incident, MBKS initiated immediate replacement procedures. The supplier was contacted, the unit’s condition was reviewed, and a new AED was procured.
The council has since installed a fully functional replacement at Stutong Market, ensuring the location remains equipped for emergencies.
Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng emphasised that AEDs are not symbolic installations, but vital tools designed to save lives.
“The AED at Stutong Market was not missing. It was used. It was used in an attempt to save a human life.” Wee said, stressing the importance of responsible governance and adherence to medical protocols.
Medical studies consistently show that AEDs can significantly improve survival rates when used promptly during cardiac arrest.
Research indicates that early defibrillation within the first few minutes can increase survival chances by 50 to 70 percent. Conversely, each minute without defibrillation reduces survival likelihood by approximately 10 percent.
MBKS reiterated its commitment to expanding AED installations across Kuching, maintaining existing units, and providing training to staff and communities. The council stated that its focus remains on practical safety measures rather than public spectacle.
The incident at Stutong Market serves as a reminder that while not every life can be saved, access to AEDs and community readiness can make a decisive difference.
MBKS pledged to continue strengthening public safety infrastructure, ensuring that when emergencies occur, the tools and training are in place to respond effectively.
