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MMA Perak Builds a Wider Circle of Lifesavers Through CPR Awareness

Anne Das 2 hours ago

0 107 2 minutes read

By Anne Das

Ischaemic heart disease remained Malaysia’s principal cause of death in 2024, accounting for 17,421 deaths or 13 per cent of medically certified deaths.

The latest National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 also showed that many Malaysians continue to live with major heart disease risk factors. Adult prevalence rates stood at 15.6 per cent for diabetes, 29.2 per cent for hypertension, 33.3 per cent for high cholesterol and 54.4 per cent for overweight and obesity.

Dr Devanandhini Krisnan, Specialist in Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, sharing insights on emergency response and cardiac emergencies during the workshop.

Against this backdrop, the Malaysian Medical Association Perak Branch (MMA Perak), in collaboration with Kinta Medical Centre Ipoh, held a special heart attack awareness press conference and CPR workshop on 21 May 2026.

The session brought Perak media practitioners into the classroom for direct exposure to emergency response training, including basic life support, choking response and automated external defibrillator (AED) awareness.

It was also designed to strengthen how heart attack symptoms, emergency response and prevention messages are communicated to the wider public through the media.

MMA Perak Chairman Dr Monesh Pillai speaking on the importance of CPR awareness and early response during heart emergencies.

MMA Perak Chairman Dr Monesh Pillai said the media were chosen because of their important role in carrying accurate and practical health information to the community.

“Doctors can advise patients in clinics and hospitals, but the media can take public health messages much further. A journalist who understands CPR, heart attack warning signs and emergency response can help thousands of people understand what to do when every minute matters,” he said.

The workshop forms part of MMA Perak’s wider public health mission to improve CPR awareness and emergency preparedness across the state. Over the years, MMA Perak has actively conducted community CPR programmes involving teachers, students and members of the public.

Participants worked in smaller groups as trainers guided them through proper CPR chest compression techniques.

For MMA Perak, heart emergencies must be treated as a community concern. Heart attacks can happen to anyone. They can affect older adults, working adults, parents, professionals and people who may appear healthy on the outside.

“Risk increases with age and with silent conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet, stress, obesity and physical inactivity. Awareness must begin before an emergency happens,” said Dr Monesh.

During the session, participants learnt the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, while also understanding how CPR can help sustain blood flow until medical help arrives.

Dr Pothanantha demonstrating how to use an AED as part of sudden cardiac arrest response.

Participants also practised chest compressions on manikins, learnt the correct response to choking emergencies and were introduced to the role of AEDs in sudden cardiac arrest.

The session also drove home an important point. In many emergencies, the first person able to help may be a loved one or a colleague.

“If someone shows possible signs of a heart attack, do not wait and see. Call 999 immediately. Symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, cold sweat, nausea, dizziness, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back or shoulder, or sudden collapse must be taken seriously.

“If the person collapses and is not breathing normally, start CPR while waiting for help. Early action can save a life,” said Dr Monesh.

Kinta Medical Centre Ipoh Chief Executive Officer Mr Suresh Kumar said the hospital was pleased to collaborate with MMA Perak on a programme that brings practical health knowledge closer to the community through the media.

MMA Perak is encouraging companies, schools and community organisations across Perak to organise hands on CPR awareness workshops for their teams. Companies can also explore HRD Corp claimable training funds for these sessions, subject to eligibility and approval.