KUCHING: You can be a hero in the local community to save more lives by donating your blood.
By donating a pint of blood which normally consists of 450ml of blood, you are able to save up to three lives.
In addition to that, blood donors are able to benefit in terms of health and among others, donating blood helps in the reduction of weight, reduce heart disease risk, lower cancer risk, and enhance new blood cell production.
Today, more are aware, and putting away their fears to donate their blood to help those in need.
On Saturday (Feb 5) at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), it can be seen that the public fulfill their responsibility to donate their blood at the one-day blood donation drive jointly organised by SGH and Cahya Mata Sarawak (CMS) held from 9am to 3pm.
Some of the blood donors, including first timers, have shared their blood donating experience with New Sarawak Tribune when met.
Micheal King, 33, CMS Group corporate communication assistant manager
“This is my second time donating blood. My first time was in June last year. I am a believer in the sustainable future, a world where we are able to help save lives, and in line with that, I believe it is part of our responsibility to give back to society.
“And as an individual, once you understand that saving lives is part of the process of being human, we are all very glad to give as much as we can.
“During my first time, it was a very interesting experience and I thought I was not going to be able to do it again. But I’m here successfully donating my blood.
“So, to those who are scared of needles just like me, trust me, the nurses and staff at SGH are wonderful, gentle and they take care of you, and there is free food, so please come to donate blood.”
Roy Chieng Long Heng, 26, staff of CMS
“I started to donate blood before 2014, however I stopped donating blood for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m glad that I’m able to continue to donate blood again.
“I feel that donating blood is important because we are able to help others who are in need of blood. That is why I encourage my girlfriend, Dedia Chan, to join me where this is her time in donating blood.”
Zainoreen Affandy, 28
“I am so happy that my wife, Nur Syifa Zunaid and I as first timers are able to successfully donate our blood today. While my father, Affandy Abdul Jabar and mother, Siti Faridah Bachok are also with us to donate blood.
“The best feeling is that you know that when you donate blood you are able to help others,” he said.
Affandy Abdul Jabar, 60, pensioner
“This is my second time donating blood. I started to donate blood last year. I feel that after donating blood, my health is healthier, and I’m not taking any medication.
“Therefore, I encourage especially the young and those who are healthy to come forward to donate blood for the good of their health and at the same time to save lives.
“Most importantly, blood donors must have a sincere heart to help others and not donate blood for the sake of getting the goodies.”
