JOHOR BAHRU: Blood donation campaign is one of the regularly held activities, hoping to help hospitals to have a stable blood supply through the blood donation campaign.

It is also used to promote blood donation to bring many benefits to the body.

The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Johor Bahru recently organized its fifth blood and organ donation campaign for 2024 at Plaza Sentosa.

Donating your organs, whether by pledging them for use after your death or donating them while you’re alive, is a most noble deed. Doing so often means you are literally saving the organ recipient’s life.

MRCS Johor Bahru regularly organize blood and organ donation to ensure the supply to hospitals are always there.

MRCS Johor Bahru chairman Chua Liak Ching said he hoped this initiative has raised greater public awareness on the importance of blood donation and organ pledging.

Present for the occasion were immediate past chairman of MRCS Johor Bahru Chong Ah Ng, Johor Quarry Association chairman Dato’ Sri Toh Keng Tiong, Pertubuhan Penganut Kuan Yin Taman Perling chairman Tee Poh Hock, Dato’ Teoh Boon Hui of Nam Wah Kangkar Pulai Lion Dance, MRCS officials, doctors and nurses from Hospital Sultanah Aminah.

At the launch of the ceremony, the MRCS Johor Bahru received donations from the Johor Quarry Association and Pertubuhan Penganut Kuan Yin Taman Perling.

Dato’ Sri Toh Keng Tiong of Johor Quarry Association handed over a cheque amounting RM5000 while Tee Poh Hock from Pertubuhan Penganut Kuan Yin presented a cheque totaling RM8000 to MRCS.

Chua said MRCS Johor Bahru will continue to lend their support to Hospital Sultanah Aminah and Hospital Sultan Ismail, as this is another important way that we as Malaysians can give back to the community.

He also encouraged members of the public to keep a look out for these campaigns and to head over to their nearest location to support this noble cause.

Many members of the public thronged the popular Plaza Sentosa Boulevard to donate and witness the blood donation event.

Chua applauded those who have come forward and said that, “the donation of blood and organs is a very sacred act because it saves lives and these donors must be recognized and appreciated.”

Chua also thanked the two organizations for their kind contribution which will be of great help to MRCS.

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

He went on to say that your blood donation can be used in treatments for those going through cancer, undergoing surgery, or who have been in a traumatic accident.

“It can also be used to help those with autoimmune disorders or bleeding disorders,” he mentioned.

He stressed that by choosing to be a blood donor, you’re making a lifesaving difference in communities across Johor.

He went on to say that MRCS Johor Bahru will continue to advocate for voluntary blood donation as this is the most effective way to help the blood bank to stock up.

“Blood donation has always been the MRCS Johor Bahru’s core activity to assist the hospital blood banks, as well as the responsibility to raise blood donation awareness and recruit new donors,” he said.

According to Chua, during the pandemic, regular donors have been particularly vital in responding to blood shortage situations.

“Their commitment to donating regularly, even during challenging times, is invaluable and greatly appreciated,” he remarked.

Chua said the response at the donation drive was encouraging who hoped that those who were healthy would come forward and help save lives.

By consistently organizing blood donation campaigns like this, he said, MRCS Johor Bahru hopes that the culture of blood donation and the level of awareness among all parties about the importance and benefits of blood donation will increase.

“Donating blood should be viewed as a healthy and noble practice,” he added.

Every day, an average of about 2,200 blood bags are needed throughout Malaysia to be used by 1,000 patients, said the Ministry of Health.

“The need for blood is essential at all times, and that is why continuous donation is necessary to ensure that our blood stock is sufficient, safe, and complies with international standards,” the Ministry of Health added.