KUALA LUMPUR: Concerns of hurting the deceased ranked as the highest reason behind rejection towards organ donations, the Dewan Rakyat was told Tuesday (Feb 24).
According to the Health Ministry, an analysis indicated that this made up 33.7% of rejections.
Other reasons included not knowing the intentions of the deceased (18.7%), concerns towards a delayed burial (17.3%), disfiguring the corpse (17.2%), no consensus among family members (6.4%), being unable to accept the death (3.8%) and confusion due to religious beliefs (2.7%).
“The data shows that familial understanding, trust and emotions play a big role when it comes to organ donations, especially during a limited time frame in clinical critical situations,” it said in a written reply.
The ministry added that the National Transplant Centre has also introduced a National Transplant Programme to increase the rate of organ donations and transplants to save more lives.
“We have taken a comprehensive approach towards strengthening governance here alongside improving capacity through skilled human resource development, alongside expanding advocacy activities and continuous awareness programmes.
“This approach aims to build communal trust, encouraging more Malaysians to voluntary step forward as organ donors,” it said.
It added that the message is also spread across various platforms including television, radio, newspapers, social media, official website, mobile applications, printed materials and infographics.
“Educational programmes are also carried out in schools, universities and communities. A consolidated and ethical approach is necessary to ensure the information relayed is accurate and easily understood in order to build trust,” it said.
The ministry was responding to Roy Angau Gingkoi (GPS-Lubok Antu) who asked about factors impacting low organ donation rates in Malaysia and efforts to improve awareness and increase participation among the rakyat.
