JOHOR BAHRU: Blood donation campaign is one of the regularly held activities of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Johor Bahru hoping to help the blood bank to have a stable blood supply through the blood donation campaign.

In addition, it is also used to promote blood donation to bring many benefits to the body.

MRCS Johor Bahru is ramping up efforts to collect blood to help in overcoming shortage in most hospitals here.

The 10th MRCS blood and human organ donation campaign was held at Plaza Tasek (Atrium 1) at Taman Ungku Tun Aminah.

Donors came in droves to donate blood and were interviewed by doctors to ensure they are qualified before their blood is taken.

At closing time they were able to collect some 91 bags of blood. However, only 17 were rejected.

MRCS collaborated with The Johor Quarries Association, Pertubuhan Penganut Kuan Yin Taman Perling and Nam Wah Kangkar Pulai and Tasek Central in organizing this auspicious event.

Present were Johor Assemblywoman for Skudai Marina Ibrahim, MRCS Johor Bahru chairman Chong Ah Ng, Malaysian Quarries Association president Dato’ Sri Toh Keng Tiong, Dato’ Teoh Boon Hui of Nam Wah Kangkar Pulai Lion Dance, Tee Poh Hock chairman of Pertubuhan Penganut Kuan Yin Taman Perling, MRCS officials, doctors and nurses from Hospital Sultanah Aminah.

Officiating at the event Marina said she was happy to note that many people have come forward to donate blood.

“Many have sacrificed their time and took the initiative to come forward to donate blood,” she said.

She urged Johoreans who have yet to donate blood to take the first step to becoming regular blood donor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In his address later, Chong Ah Ng said this 10th blood and organ donation campaign is a very sacred act because it saves lives and these donors must be recognized and appreciated.

Chong said the campaign is aimed at encouraging the public to donate blood besides helping the national Blood Centre and Hospital Sultanah Aminah to enhance awareness in the society on the importance of donating blood.

“When you give blood, you’re giving a priceless gift that can’t be found anywhere else,” he said.

He stressed that the blood donation can be used in treatments for those going through cancer, undergoing surgery or who have been in a traumatic accident.

He said it can also be used to help those with autoimmune disorders or bleeding disorders.

He said, “By choosing to be a blood donor, you’re making a live saving difference in communities across the country.”

During the ceremony, MRCS Johor Bahru also received donations amounting RM34,000. Dato’ Seri Toh Keng Tiong donated RM10,000, RM5,000 from Loh Thean Loy of Johor Quarry Association, RM5000 from Kang Hock Beng, RM8000 from Pertubuhan Penganut Kuan Yin Taman Perling, RM3000 from Dato Goh Zhong Sheng and RM3000 from Zhou Xiao Xiang.

Chong said these donations will be put to good use for future MRCS programmes and activities in the district.

He also thanked all those who have contributed in cash as MRCS is constant need of funds to assist people in dire need of help.

He said MRCS puts first and foremost the humanitarian needs of the people. Therefore, it is imperative that we work and collaborate with the target community along with partner organizations and agencies to ensure that the humanitarian work is meaningful.

Not mincing his words he said, “We also collaborate with our volunteers to mobilize the power of humanity.”

He said he was pleased to see the response from the public towards the blood donation drive and hopes this initiative has raised greater public awareness on the importance of blood donation and organ pledging.

He noted that every time MRCS organizes a blood donation drive more and more begin to come forward as they realize the shortage of blood in hospitals.

“Also, we aim to raise awareness about organ donation and how significant this act of kindness in saving many lives is,” he stressed.

Chong pointed out that blood has a short shelf life and must be continually replenished. Blood donors must be healthy, feeling well and free of respiratory illness symptoms to be eligible to donate.

“Donating blood is a safe process and people should not hesitate to give blood. Blood donors are not at risk of contracting Covid-19 through the blood donation process,” he said.

Chong who has been a member of MRCS since 1977 remarked that they will continue to build trust with the people they work with and be an influential force of good within Malaysia.

As for its vision, he said MRCS as a leading and distinctive humanitarian organization that brings people and institution together for the vulnerable.

The MRCS is a non-profit organization dedicated to humanitarian acts and services. It is a part of the global network of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement whose mission is to alleviate human sufferings and to promote lasting peace amongst people.