IJN Leads Lifesaving Initiative in Pulau Tioman with AED Donation and Health Screening

Pulau Tioman, Pahang – 14 August 2025 – The National Heart Institute (IJN) today strengthened Pulau Tioman’s emergency healthcare readiness with the handover of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to Klinik Kesihatan Tekek, alongside a community health outreach involving free basic health screenings and CPR/AED training. The event was graced by Kebawah Duli Paduka Baginda Sultan Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Riayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, whose presence underscored the importance of access to lifesaving care in remote communities.

 

The AED was officially presented to Dato’ Dr. Wan Abdul Rahim bin Wan Muhammad, Deputy Director of the Pahang State Health Department, in a ceremony witnessed by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang. This symbolic moment reflects a shared commitment between IJN and the Pahang State Health Department to strengthen emergency medical preparedness in rural and island communities.

 

Heart disease remains Malaysia’s leading cause of death, responsible for nearly 17% of all fatalities. In cases of sudden cardiac arrest, every minute without intervention reduces the chance of survival by about 10%. If defibrillation is applied within the first 3-5 minutes, survival rates can reach as high as 70%, compared to less than 10% without immediate aid.

 

For Tioman’s residents, the AED represents a crucial first response tool. The island’s nearest district hospital is in Kuala Rompin, and the main referral hospital is in Kuantan, making rapid on-site intervention essential.

 

“Every second counts when a person’s heart stops. This AED gives the people of Kampung Tekek, and indeed the entire island, a fighting chance while waiting for advanced care,” said Prof. Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, Chief Executive Officer of IJN. “We are proud to not only provide the device but also ensure the clinic staff are trained and confident to use it.”   The AED handover was part of a larger IJN-led health outreach. A 31-member IJN volunteer team – comprising doctors, nurses, and paramedics – conducted free health screenings for residents of Kampung Tekek. The team also delivered practical CPR and AED usage training to clinic staff, equipping them with the skills to respond effectively in emergencies.

 

The initiative was made possible through the support of IJN’s strategic partner, RHB Banking Group, under its Ocean Harmony corporate social responsibility programme. Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director/CEO of RHB Islamic Bank, also joined us at the event, reflecting RHB’s continued commitment to community well-being. On the same day, RHB hosted a financial literacy session at SMK Tekek to empower local students with essential money management skills.   This joint effort reflects the shared commitment of IJN and RHB to extend healthcare and community support beyond city centers, ensuring even the most remote populations have access to critical tools and knowledge.

 

About Institut Jantung Negara (IJN)

Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) is Malaysia’s only discipline-specific heart specialist facility and one of the largest medical institutions in Malaysia. Set up in 1992, IJN is dedicated to the management and treatment of heart diseases by providing cardiology, paediatric cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery services for adults and children and to date, it has treated over 5 million heart patients.

 

After 3 decades of its establishment, IJN is reckoned to be among the best medical centres for cardiovascular and thoracic care in Malaysia and the region. IJN has kept abreast with the latest medical advances, from handling a simple hole in the heart surgery to heart and lung transplantations.

 

As Malaysia’s premier and South East Asia’s largest Cardiac Centre, IJN is aggressively growing its presence, locally and regionally, on the back of a proven and respected brand name synonymous with quality heart healthcare.

 

 

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