PETALING JAYA: Blood donations are an invaluable gift to others – one that regular donors say they would be happy to keep giving as long as they live.
Among such noble donors is software engineer Sufyan Zahri, 34, who has donated a total of 31 times to date.
"I try to donate every three months or so.
"I started donating in 2008 when there was a blood donation drive in my university. It has become a routine ever since then," he said.
Based on data from the Health Ministry, blood donations have spiked in Malaysia over the years, but the number of new donors has been declining.
On this trend, Sufyan said he felt most people were not aware of the constant need for blood donations so they tend to do it only if there was a blood donation drive.
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A regular blood donor, Zuliantie Dzul, 42, said she planned to keep donating for the rest of her life, so long as "there’s blood pumping" through her body.
“It’s one way of helping others. I’m not rich, so I can’t donate a lot of money to the needy.
“So, blood it is. I feel like a superhero, in a way,” said the sub-editor, who has donated a total of seven times since 2018.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Zuliantie also made it a point to donate blood between 2020 and 2022.
“At that time, there were fewer restrictions in the movement control order (MCO) so I was able to show up to donate blood.
“During that time, hospitals were also in need of blood,” she said.
Zuliantie hoped others would also contribute to blood donations if they were fit to do so.
“I think most refrain from donating due to fear of needles and so on.
“Sometimes, you hear of people fainting after donating, but that could be due to many other things.
“If you fit the criteria and follow all the requirements, you should be okay,” she said, urging others not to be afraid.
“I was once afraid too, but not anymore. I know I'm saving lives.
“I feel good, physically, emotionally, and spiritually every time I donate,” she said.
Zuliantie added that it was also important to be kind to everyone as they could be blood donors who might save your life with their donations.
Another regular donor, Elisha Easter, 24, said she started donating blood when she was in Form Six and her school invited hospitals to conduct blood donations.
“I was interested in donating blood because it is one of the most precious types of donations you can give someone.
“It doesn’t matter if you are in the B40 category (low income group) or not because this gift is something money cannot buy,” said the student.
Having donated a total of seven times to date, Elisha said she had also encouraged her friends to donate as well.
“Some of them are afraid of needles while some were anaemic and were not fit to do so.
“For me, if I see any donation campaigns, especially in shopping malls, I will go and try to do my part,” she said, adding that she planned to continue this charitable act for life.
Those who wish to donate blood can go to blood donation centres such as the National Blood Centre (PDN) in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur and PDN Donation Suite in Midvalley Megamall.
They can also go to the St John Ambulance IOI City Mall Blood Donation Suite, St John Ambulance One Utama Blood Donation Suite, Johor Baru Blood Donation Suite Midvalley Southkey and Aeon Station 18 Ipoh.
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