SIBU: Media coverage plays an important role in promoting voluntary blood donation drives, said Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sibu Branch Chairman Penghulu Chua Hiong Kee.
He said through compelling stories, interviews with donors and recipients, and information about upcoming drives, the media has widened public awareness of the need for regular blood donation.
“The visibility and credibility that media coverage provides can significantly encourage young people to embrace the humanitarian call to donate blood,” he said at the MRCS Sibu branch World Blood Donor Day event at a hotel here Sunday (June 9).
The programme was officiated by Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat and Lanang MP Alice Lau and attended by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng.
Chua also extended his gratitude to their blood donation partners, who have provided access to networks and resources that enhance the success and effectiveness of Sibu blood donation drives.
“In addition to managing the logistics of blood collection, they are instrumental in promoting awareness of the significance of blood donation and rallying and recruiting more blood donors,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lau, said that blood transfusion plays a critical role in healthcare, benefiting patients facing life-threatening conditions.
“Additionally, blood transfusion supports complex medical and surgical procedures, making it indispensable in maternal and child care, as well as during man-made and natural disasters.
“Unfortunately, in some places, demand exceeds supply, and blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available while also ensuring its quality and safety. Voluntary blood donation is the foundation of a safe and sufficient blood supply,” she added.
Hence, Lau called on the public not only to donate blood but also to take care of their health to ensure they are eligible to donate.
“Most of us here might not be doctors, but for those who are in good health, we can help the doctors by becoming blood donors,” she added.
Also present were Organising Chairperson and Sibu Hospital Deputy Director Dr. Rachel Teng and Assistant Director of MRCS Sarawak Chapter Ng Pei Sze.
