SITTING in a wheelchair, 64-year-old Indonesian tourist Tumin beamed as he met for the first time the two individuals who helped save his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest.
The meeting took place during a press conference called by the state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen at Komtar today.
Tumin warmly shook hands with Dr Koay Hean Wei and hawker Ong Cheong Pin, who used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to revive him at Lebuh Cecil Market on 2 December, 2025, before he was rushed by ambulance to a private hospital.
Tumin had been at the market for breakfast with his wife, Erna Lisa, 52, and their son, Windy Wijaya, 25. The family had flown in from Medan for a medical appointment to check on his pacemaker.
“I’m overjoyed to meet them, and I want to say a ‘big’ thank you to them for saving my life,” said Tumin, his eyes welling with tears.
All were present at an AED donation ceremony held under the global “Heroes for Life” initiative to honour the rescuers from Lebuh Cecil Market.
A third individual who first performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Tumin has yet to be identified.
Koay, managing director of H2H Medicare Group, stepped forward to assist using an AED that was quickly brought by Ong, a koay teow th’ng seller who knew exactly where it was located in the market.
According to Shenny Tan, director of Asia Pacific Operations at ZOLL Medical Malaysia, the AED was installed by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) at Lebuh Cecil Market two years ago, and this was the third time it had been activated.
For every successful public rescue using a ZOLL AED, Tan said the organisation is committed to giving back through its Heroes for Life initiative by donating an AED to the community.
“This reflects our belief that greater access leads to more rescues, and more rescues nurture more heroes,” she said.
In accordance with the wishes of Tumin and his rescuers, ZOLL, represented by Tan, donated an AED unit to St John Ambulance Malaysia (Penang), represented by its state commander Datuk Seri Dr Yee Thiam Sun, in a ceremony witnessed by Gooi.
As a Penangite, Tan said she was grateful for the state’s strong public access defibrillator programme.
“AEDs are more than just devices; they are lifesaving tools. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere. Without immediate intervention through CPR and the use of an AED, the chances of survival decrease drastically with every passing minute.
“A successful rescue like this does not happen by chance. It requires the dedication of an entire community — from policymakers and organisations like St John Ambulance Malaysia, to AED distributors and site owners, culminating in the heroic actions of rescuers on the ground,” she said.
Gooi commended Koay and Ong for their actions, describing them as ordinary individuals rising to extraordinary occasions.
He also praised ZOLL Medical Corporation for its impactful initiative, and St John Ambulance Malaysia (Penang) for its continued dedication to emergency response, training and public education.
“We are here to mark something far more meaningful — a life saved, a community strengthened, and a powerful reminder that every second truly counts.
“Through swift action, courage, and the immediate use of CPR and an AED, a life was saved.
“Today, we honour not only the survivor, who stands before us as a testament to resilience and recovery, but also the everyday heroes among us, individuals who chose to act when it mattered most,” Gooi said.
He added that the AED handover ceremony was not merely symbolic, but represented preparedness, awareness and empowerment, underscoring the importance of making lifesaving equipment accessible not only within hospitals, but also in the community.
“At the state level, we remain committed to strengthening public health resilience. This includes enhancing awareness of CPR training, encouraging greater community participation, and expanding access to AEDs throughout Penang.
“However, infrastructure alone is not sufficient. What truly makes a difference is people — individuals who are willing to step forward, equipped with the necessary skills and driven to act,” he said.
Gooi also encouraged more members of the public to learn CPR and to familiarise themselves with the use of AEDs.
“You never know when you may be in a position to save a life,” he said.
Dr Yee said the gathering was not only to witness the donation of an AED, but to celebrate something far greater — the power of human compassion, courage and timely action.
He said the incident at Lebuh Cecil Market served as a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how powerful a community can be when individuals step forward to help.
“We are deeply moved and inspired by the rescuers, whose swift and decisive actions made all the difference, and by the survivor, whose story stands as a testament to the importance of immediate response and access to lifesaving equipment.
“On behalf of St John Ambulance Malaysia (Penang), we express our heartfelt gratitude for entrusting us as the recipient of this AED donation. This is not just a piece of equipment — it is a symbol of hope, readiness and a second chance at life.
“We are committed to ensuring that this AED will be properly maintained, accessible, and used to continue saving lives within our community,” he said.
Dr Yee also expressed appreciation to MBPP for its continuous efforts in promoting public access to AEDs, noting that its proactive initiatives in raising awareness, increasing accessibility and encouraging community preparedness have contributed to making Penang safer.
“The successful outcome of the Lebuh Cecil incident is a clear reflection of these efforts, and we commend MBPP for a job well done,” he said.
In a similar incident last August, a badminton player in Paya Terubong was saved by the quick actions of his friends, who administered CPR, along with the availability of an AED and timely medical intervention at Island Hospital.
Also present at the AED handover ceremony were Hashim Johan, who represented MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Penang St John deputy state commander Karen Lim and Safetyware Group chief executive officer Wong Kee Wei.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi