Health Minister Calls For Good Samaritan Law To Be Enacted Soon

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Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said Malaysia does not have a Good Samaritan Law that protects bystanders who provide first aid during emergencies from legal consequences. (Bernama pic)
GEORGE TOWN: A Good Samaritan Law (GSL) should be introduced before the current 15th parliamentary session concludes, says health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Dzulkefly said no such legislation exists in Malaysia to protect members of the public who act in good faith to help save lives during emergencies.
He said similar laws exist in other countries, citing Norway as an example, where 98% of citizens are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), starting in schools.
“Everyone is a potential lifesaver,” he told reporters after attending the 1st Community First Responder Conference here today.
“The GSL must be put in place, at least during the 15th parliamentary session (ending before the next general election).”
He said he will bring the matter up at the ministry’s post-Cabinet meeting next week.
The GSL aims to encourage bystanders to intervene without fear of legal repercussions, such as being sued for unintentional harm that may occur while rendering aid.
By offering legal protection, it reduces hesitation among bystanders when they witness an emergency.
Separately, Dzulkefly said that in Penang, 45% of heart attack patients who experienced an event outside the hospital received CPR from bystanders.
He expressed his desire to see similar CPR adoption rates in Klang Valley, Sarawak, Johor and other states, as it would help foster a nationwide culture of CPR awareness and skills.
Penang has 1,000 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) stationed at 300 locations in public areas.
Dzulkefly said he was also hopeful that at least 20% of Malaysians would be trained in CPR and stressed that this effort should be a collective one, involving not just the government but society as a whole.
He proposed various ministries to be involved in this effort, especially the health ministry, the youth and sports ministry, and the education ministry.
He said the housing and local government ministry, and the women, family and community development ministry could also contribute in some way. - FMT

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