PETALING JAYA: More than 10,000 Malaysians are on the waiting list for kidney transplants, but organs are scarce.
More importantly, there is also a scarcity of transplant surgeons.
The Malaysian Society of Transplantation has called for greater efforts to increase public awareness of organ transplants, as well as measures to ensure more doctors qualify as transplant surgeons.
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Dr Hasdy Haron, council member of the society, said there are ways to shorten the training period for such surgeons.
“We should allow shorter training periods for those who are already specialists,” he said.
He added that greater public education is needed to challenge the stigma surrounding organ transplantation.
“Public promotion is very important in our country, where awareness is not very widespread. Online platforms should highlight the importance of organ donation and transplantation,” said Dr Hasdy.
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He also highlighted that concerns, including religious beliefs, were an obstacle to organ donation.
“Every year, during National Organ Donation Awareness Week, booklets are produced explaining organ donations in Islam, as well as its ethics.
“In 1970, the National Fatwa Committee of Malaysia permitted organ donation and transplantation. We have seen an increase in Muslims registering as donors,” he said.
Furthermore, Dr Hasdy said there is a common misconception that increasing registrations will immediately meet the demand for organs.
“Many assume that when more donors sign up, the demand for organs will be met. Transplants usually occur post-mortem, and this takes years,” he said.
Finding a compatible organ is another problem.
“Even for cadaver donations, not all deceased patients may be suitable for donation,” added Dr Hasdy.
In some cases, relatives may not agree to donating the organs of the deceased, he said.
Organ transplantation is set to be a national priority for 2026, with the Health Ministry restructuring the National Transplant Resource Centre into a central command body to strengthen oversight and coordination nationwide.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the move is aimed at improving policy direction, governance and data-sharing across hospitals, to address long-standing gaps that have hindered organ donation and transplantation.
