By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 8: The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at Stutong Community Market was never missing but was used in an attempt to save the life of an elderly woman who collapsed at a cake stall on Dec 27, 2025, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said today after overseeing the installation of a replacement AED at the market.
Wee said the incident occurred shortly after 8.15am when the market was already bustling with stallholders and regular patrons, before the sudden collapse of the elderly woman brought the usually lively atmosphere to a halt.
“In those critical moments, members of the public stepped forward. CPR was initiated, the AED provided by MBKS was retrieved and deployed, and medical assistance was contacted,” he said in a statement, adding that the device was used exactly for the purpose it was installed, which is to give someone a fighting chance at survival.
An ambulance later arrived to continue medical care, but despite the efforts of bystanders and the use of the AED, the woman could not be revived.
“That is a tragedy, and it deserves dignity, not politics,” he stressed.
Addressing claims circulating online, Wee said it was important to state clearly that the AED at Stutong Market was not missing, but had been used during the emergency and subsequently had to undergo standard post-use procedures.
“AEDs are not ornaments or props. Once used, they must be assessed, the pads replaced and the unit thoroughly checked before redeployment in line with medical and safety standard operating procedures. This process takes time because lives depend on it,” he explained.
Following the incident, he said MBKS immediately initiated the replacement process by contacting the supplier, assessing the condition of the unit and procuring a replacement. A new AED was installed at the market today and is fully functional.
“This is how responsible governance works, quietly, methodically and with respect for both procedure and people,” he added.
Wee also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of AED access, noting that studies worldwide show survival rates from cardiac arrest can increase by 50 to 70 per cent when defibrillation is delivered early, while every minute without defibrillation reduces survival chances by about 10 per cent.
“This is why AED access matters. This is why training matters. This is why calm, informed action matters,” he said.
He criticised those who were quick to jump to conclusions without understanding the circumstances, describing it as “noise” that saves no lives.
“It is easy to point at an empty box. It is harder to acknowledge that the box was empty because someone tried to save a life,” he said.
He reaffirmed MBKS’ commitment to continue installing and maintaining AEDs, training staff and working with communities on public safety initiatives.
“Public service is not about being the loudest voice after a tragedy. It is about being present before one happens,” he said, adding that what truly matters in an emergency is not who speaks fastest to the media, but who was there when it counted. — DayakDaily
