Ang Lai Soon: Make CPR a compulsory subject in schools

Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon (File Photo).

KUCHING, Oct 8: Social activist Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon is urging the present Federal government to incorporate Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training as a compulsory learning in all schools and institutions in Malaysia to save lives.

Ang in a statement today said for many years, he has been campaigning for legislation to make Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) compulsory in all schools and institutions of higher learning not only in Malaysia, but also globally through personal contacts.

According to him, the previous Federal government had strongly supported his proposal, and its deputy Federal Education minister had told the press that the Federal government would study how the Ministry of Education (MOE) could incorporate it into the existing syllabus.

“Support also came from the Sarawak government and its Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who even gave some good suggestions.

“However, before my proposal could be translated into policy by the Federal government, there was a change of government following the general election.

“I am confident that the present Federal government will continue to support this proposal which transcends politics, race, religion as well as ideological belief, and make this a reality soon by introducing the necessary legislation in Parliament,” he said.

Ang opined there is no reason for anyone not to support the learning of CPR as a compulsory subject as it consists of simple training.

He said all that is needed is a person who has been trained in basic First Aid to start a class.

“I am optimistic that governments everywhere, including St John Ambulance, The Order of Malta, The Red Cross/Red Crescent and St Andrew’s Societies, similar health organisations, hospitals and many volunteers will be happy to join this cause to save millions of lives that would otherwise be needlessly lost due to the lack of people with the knowledge of this life saving skill,” he added. — DayakDaily