KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have called for the government to implement Singapore's Alert Alarm System (AAS) that could act as a 24-hour emergency lifeline for the elderly.
The wireless AAS functions as a vital lifeline for the elderly during emergencies to support seniors by promptly responding and summoning ambulances.
Singapore State for National Development Minister Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim posted on his TikTok a video of a reenactment from Abdul Rahim, 82, who is seeking help from the wireless AAS.
In the video, Rahim– who lives in a one-room rental flat with his wife– says he has activated the wireless AAS three times in the past year due to medical emergencies.
After pressing the button, the automated hotline responds with: "You have 10 seconds to record your message after this beep."
However, there was a delay in the hotline team's response to determine the emergency as they engaged in small talk before deciding whether to dispatch an ambulance for the elderly.
The video has elicited responses from netizens, with some expressing support for the initiatives while others have voiced complaints about potential areas for improvement.
User @sodium_sulphate suggested: "The Health Ministry should bring up this idea in parliament."
"This is actually a really great idea. Singapore is truly on another level. Welfare is always prioritised. I hope Malaysia can follow too," said @tunasandwich23.
"Too much time wasted on automation! Should just cut straight to calling the operator," said user @macthefakedoctor.
@Kaylaleafy commented: "The introduction is a bit too long and we don't see how long it takes for a response. But truly an amazing effort. Thinking of my grandparents and how they can benefit from this when I'm not at home."
In his caption for the video, Faishal wrote: "In parliament yesterday, I shared that we will extend the wireless AAS to all seniors aged 60 and above living in about 170 public rental blocks.
"This expansion, under Age Well Singapore, will benefit around 26,800 more seniors.
"Through this expansion, we hope to support more low-income and vulnerable seniors, so that they feel safer when living independently at home."