THE Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi in Armenian Street became the first Chinese Clan House in Penang to be fitted with a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) device.
Cheah Kongsi chairman Alan Cheah Teik Cheng said the installation of the PAD device is important as it could be used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
“In the past, people say that a cardiac arrest may only happen to the senior citizens.
“But nowadays, we can see that even children or young adults can experience cardiac arrest as well.
“Thus, it is important that we instal the PAD device in our premises. We can help the victim of cardiac arrest while he or she awaits the proper medical attention.
“At the same time, we want to educate our trustees on the correct way of using the device,” Cheah said in his speech before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiates the launching of the device at Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi in Armenian Street today.
Chow commended the initiative taken by the clan house.
“I would like to congratulate and extend the Penang government’s appreciation towards Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi for being the first Chinese clan house in the heritage enclave to instal the PAD device.
“While installing the PAD device in public places is a step in the right direction, it is equally important for the people to be adequately trained in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),” he said.
According to Chow, Penang was also the first state in the country to initiate the ‘Heart Safe Programme’ in 2015. The programme was one of the health-related initiatives by the state government.
“The purpose of the programme was so that the public can have access to these machines to help save lives during an emergency.
“To date, a significant number of PAD devices have been installed at public places in Penang such as in schools, public parks, Penang Hill, as well as government and private buildings.
“We hope that other clan houses in the vicinity or within the heritage enclave can emulate what Cheah Kongsi has done.
“By installing the much-needed PAD device and conducting sessions from time to time to train your members to use the device, you are serving not only your clan members but also the general public and tourists,” he added.
Also present during the launching ceremony were State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Alvie Cheng