Malaysians help strangers one drop at a time by donating regularly
PETALING JAYA: What started as a teenage experiment has become a two-decade mission for Muhammad Huzaifah Ahmad, who has donated blood 271 times and helped save countless lives along the way.
The 39-year-old freelancer from Kajang said a decision to try something new when he was 18 by donating blood gradually evolved into a personal responsibility to help others.
Speaking ahead of World Blood Donor Day tomorrow, Huzaifah said a family health scare strengthened his commitment.
“A major turning point was when my mother was diagnosed with a blood disorder in 2021 and needed blood transfusions.
“I realised that after years of donating blood to strangers, my own mother had become one of those who depended on it.
“That is why I continue donating today, to help more people like her,” he said.
Huzaifah believes more can be done to make blood donation relatable to younger Malaysians.
Many of his friends, he said, still avoid donating due to fear of the process or difficulty finding the time.
“Campaigns need to show the real impact blood donation has on people’s lives.
“Social media is a powerful tool, but the message must be delivered in ways young people can connect with.
“Perhaps digital platforms with reward systems could also encourage participation,” he added.
His story mirrors that of many Malaysians who turned a single donation into a lifelong commitment.
For Azira Abdul Aziz, 31, the journey began during the National Service Training Programme in 2013 when she was 18.
“I felt I had no other way to contribute to the country, so donating blood every three months became my way of giving back,” she said.
Azira believes colleges and universities should organise more blood donation drives to encourage more youth participation.
For first-time donor Jay Ashvin Singh, 23, a medical student, the opportunity came through a blood donation drive on campus.
“I had always wanted to donate because it felt like a meaningful way to contribute beyond the classroom.
“When the drive came to campus and I could do it between classes, it felt like the perfect opportunity,” he said.
“After donating, I felt gratified knowing that a single donation has the potential to help multiple patients.”
Jay Ashvin said most of his friends view blood donation positively, although some remain concerned about needles and discomfort.
“When the opportunity is readily available, students can donate without having to make a separate trip. There should also be greater awareness about how one donation can impact many lives,” he added.
Marketing executive Gilian Lee, 25, from Ampang, who has donated blood twice, said workplace donation drives could help more young professionals contribute.
“Since starting work, it has become harder to attend public donation drives even though I want to.
“If companies organised donation drives occasionally, employees could donate during work hours.
“More Gen-Zs are entering the workforce now, and workplaces can play an important role in encouraging them to become regular donors,” she said.
According to the World Health Organisation, this year’s World Blood Donor Day theme is “One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.”
