GEORGE TOWN – The Health Ministry (MoH) is working to introduce the Good Samaritan Act in Malaysia, with plans to table and enact the legislation during the current 15th parliamentary session, said its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Dr Dzulkefly emphasised the importance of the proposed law to protect first responders by offering them legal protection when they assist victims—particularly those experiencing cardiac emergencies—with emergency medical care delivered in good faith.
“I cannot promise you exactly when (the bill will be tabled in Parliament), but I want it done,” he said.
“It is possible to achieve this despite the ministry’s pipeline of pending bills,” he told reporters during a press conference at the 1st Malaysian Community First Responder Conference at the Marriott Hotel, here.
He noted that the preparation of the bill could be expedited by referencing similar laws in other countries, such as Australia, China, and India.
“So I want this (tabling) process to be expedited and hopefully we will get it out within the 15th parliamentary session,” he added.
Dr Dzulkefly also stressed the need to improve Malaysians’ proficiency in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), highlighting the importance of fostering CPR literacy to build a culture of emergency aid.
He cited Norway as an example, where 98% of the population is CPR-literate.
Meanwhile, Penang’s State Executive Councillor for Health, Daniel Gooi, pointed out that while Malaysia has not yet faced incidents of first responders being sued despite acting in good faith, introducing such legislation would be a proactive step to protect them in the future. — December 14, 2024