KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 — St John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM) Penang has launched the country’s first electric vehicle (EV) ambulance during its annual parade, officiated by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.

The EV ambulance, fully sponsored by Yayasan Bumiputra Pulau Pinang, was unveiled alongside long-service awards, unit demonstrations, and recognition of outstanding members, Buletin Mutiara reported.

SJAM Commander-in-Chief Datuk Lai See Ming hailed the launch as a national milestone and announced the renewal of SJAM’s ambulance service contract with the Health Ministry for 10 key locations nationwide.

He disclosed that SJAM responded to 20,764 emergency cases in 2024 and installed more than 200 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) nationwide, supported by free CPR and AED awareness programmes.

Lai praised the leadership of Penang president Datuk Seri Mohamad Syed Murtaza and state commander Datuk Seri Dr Yee Thiam Sun for their roles in elevating SJAM’s performance.

Syed Murtaza said the EV ambulance showcases technological progress and environmental responsibility while congratulating Tun Ramli on his appointment as State Patron and recipient of the Darjah Setia Utama award.

Dr Yee also said the EV ambulance aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and praised the work of specialised units and public CPR initiatives.