KUCHING: A 52-year-old Bidayuh man from Kampung Bogag, Bau, has been identified as having the rare Bombay (hh phenotype) blood group, making him one of only about 20 known individuals in Malaysia with the world’s rarest blood type.
Mak Nyortes discovered he had the Bombay blood group in November 2025 after undergoing blood tests and further examinations at a hospital.
The Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Blood Bank said the discovery underscores the critical need to identify and register individuals with the rare blood type, as patients with Bombay blood can only receive transfusions from donors with the same blood group.
“Registered Bombay blood donors are extremely important to ensure compatible blood is available during emergencies or whenever patients require blood transfusions,” it said in a Facebook posting recently.
Mak said learning about his rare blood type marked a turning point in his life after he was informed that he could only receive blood from another Bombay blood donor.
“Although Bombay blood is extremely rare, I hope more people will understand the importance of blood donation and always be willing to help those in need,” he said.
He also hopes his story will raise public awareness on the importance of regular blood donation while encouraging more people to undergo comprehensive blood screening.
The SGH Blood Bank explained that the Bombay blood group is a unique blood phenotype that cannot receive blood from the A, B, AB or O blood groups.
Although routine blood tests may identify it as type O, specialised laboratory testing is required to confirm the Bombay blood type.
Globally, only about four million people are believed to possess the Bombay blood group.
The SGH Blood Bank also urged the public to continue supporting blood donation campaigns, stressing that every donation has the potential to save lives.
