AED in the workplace:
what Malaysian businesses need to know

An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a portable device that can restart a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. It is designed for anyone to use, with voice prompts. In Malaysia, AEDs are not yet required by national law for most businesses, but they are strongly recommended for workplaces with many people or far from a hospital. If you install one, place it where it can be reached quickly, check it regularly and train your staff in CPR.

What is an AED?

An AED is a portable device that analyses the heart rhythm of a person in sudden cardiac arrest. If it detects a shockable rhythm, it advises or delivers an electric shock to help the heart return to a normal rhythm. Voice and visual prompts guide the rescuer through each step, including CPR.

Sudden cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. In cardiac arrest the heart suddenly stops pumping effectively, the person collapses and stops breathing normally, and every minute without help lowers the chance of survival.

Why every minute counts

Most sudden cardiac arrests happen outside hospitals. Malaysia's Health Minister has noted that about 70% of cases occur outside hospital, and that using an AED within three to five minutes can raise survival rates to 50–70%. An ambulance often cannot arrive that quickly, so the people on site, with CPR and an AED, make the biggest difference.

Is an AED required by law in Malaysia?

Not at the national level at the time of writing. The current position is:

• 2022: the then Health Minister announced that AEDs would be required in public facilities by 2025.
• December 2024: the Health Minister said in a parliamentary reply that installing AEDs in public areas was voluntary.
• Sarawak is amending its Building Ordinance to require AEDs in public places, and Selangor has been studying guidelines to make them mandatory in public spaces.
• Good Samaritan law: Malaysia does not yet have a specific Good Samaritan law, although the government has said it plans to introduce one. Existing law already gives some protection to people who help in good faith.

Rules may change, so check the latest requirements for your state and industry. Even where it is voluntary, many employers install AEDs as part of their emergency response plan.

Which workplaces should consider an AED?

• Factories, warehouses and plants with many workers or shift work
• Offices and buildings with high daily occupancy
• Shopping centres, hotels, hostels and event venues
• Schools, universities and training centres
• Gyms, sports halls and futsal or badminton courts
• Sites far from a hospital or where ambulance access is slow

Where to place an AED

• Close to where people are – the AED should be reachable and brought back within a few minutes. Large or multi-storey sites may need more than one unit.
• Visible and signposted – use a clear AED sign, and show the location on your evacuation and emergency plans.
• Always accessible – not locked in an office. A wall cabinet near reception, the guardhouse or a main corridor works well.
• Protected – away from direct sun, heat, rain and dust, especially in factories and outdoor areas.
• Known to staff – tell everyone where it is, and include it in induction and fire drills.

How to choose an AED

• Registered with the Medical Device Authority (MDA). Defibrillators are medical devices under the Medical Device Act 2012 (Act 737), which requires medical devices to be registered before they are supplied in Malaysia.
• Semi-automatic or fully automatic. A semi-automatic AED asks the rescuer to press the shock button. A fully automatic AED delivers the shock by itself after warning everyone to stand clear.
• Child use. If children may be present, choose a model with child pads or a child mode.
• CPR feedback. Some models guide the rescuer on the depth and speed of chest compressions.
• Durability. For dusty, humid or outdoor sites, check the unit's dust and water protection rating.
• Running costs. Ask about the price and shelf life of replacement pads and batteries, the warranty and the training support.

How to keep your AED rescue-ready

An AED only helps if it works on the day. Build these into your routine fire safety inspections:

• Check the status indicator regularly, for example monthly, to confirm the unit is ready
• Record the expiry dates of the pads and battery. They typically last about three to five years, depending on the model
• Replace the pads after every use, as they are single-use
• Make sure the cabinet, sign and any alarm are in good condition
• Keep a simple logbook of checks, use and replacements

Train your people in CPR and AED use

An AED works best together with good CPR. Train your emergency response team (ERT), first aiders and security staff, and refresh the training regularly. CPR and AED training is widely offered in Malaysia, including by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society and St John Ambulance of Malaysia. Practise retrieving and using the AED as part of your fire drill, so the team knows where it is and who brings it.

How LIM BEST can help

LIM BEST helps businesses across Johor prepare for emergencies with fire safety and emergency response training, fire drill planning and support for your Fire and Emergency Response Plan. We can help you decide where an AED fits into your emergency plan and add it to your routine safety checks. WhatsApp us to discuss your premises.

Frequently asked questions

Is an AED mandatory for businesses in Malaysia?

Not at the national level at the time of writing. In 2022 the government announced that AEDs would be required in public facilities by 2025, but in December 2024 the Health Minister said in Parliament that installing AEDs in public areas was voluntary. Sarawak is amending its Building Ordinance to require AEDs in public places, and Selangor is studying similar guidelines, so check the latest rules for your state.

Can someone without training use an AED?

Yes. AEDs are designed for members of the public and give step-by-step voice prompts. Training is still strongly recommended, because people who have practised CPR and AED use act faster and more confidently.

Can an AED shock someone who does not need it?

An AED analyses the heart rhythm first and only advises or delivers a shock when it detects a shockable rhythm.

How long do AED pads and batteries last?

Typically about three to five years, depending on the model. Pads are single-use and must be replaced after every rescue. Check the expiry dates on your unit and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Sources

• Malay Mail – Govt to make AED installation mandatory in public facilities by 2025 (March 2022)
• Free Malaysia Today – Sarawak to require defibrillators in public areas (December 2024)
• Sarawak Premier's Department – MPHLG proposes all public places to be equipped with AEDs (August 2025)
• The Vibes – Selangor mulls mandatory AEDs in public spaces (April 2025)
• Bernama – Malaysia looking to introduce Good Samaritan law (December 2024)
• The Star – Good Samaritan law reduces fear (January 2026)
• The Vibes – Health Minister on AED survival rates and CPR training (April 2025)
• Bernama – Urgent need for defibrillators in public facilities (April 2025)
• Medical Device Authority – Medical device registration guide (Act 737)

This article is general information and is not medical advice. In an emergency, call 999. Requirements can change, so check the latest rules from the relevant authorities.