The Kuching Love Book Association (KLBA) 19th blood donation campaign highlighted continued public support for voluntary blood donation.
The campaign, held at Boulevard Shopping Mall, received strong community support, attracting over 100 participants within one hour on Sunday.
The impressive turnout reflected growing public awareness of the insufficient blood supply at Sarawak General Hospital’s Blood Bank.
The Sarawak Tribune spoke with several donors who shared their experiences, motivations and advice to encourage more members of the public to take part in blood donation activities.
KIING SIE YING, 48,
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Councillor
I first started donating back when I was 18, my father invited me to donate blood. He said that it is good for health because when blood is drawn, our body will produce new blood. I even studied as a Chinese physician back then and I found out that one pint of blood could save three people’s lives. Back when I was a Junior Chamber International Kuching Secretariat (JCI) for Kuching, I always organised blood donations with the collaboration of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus. Even with KLBA, I always show support when they need sponsors because they are very professional, strategic and have very good hospitality. Last year, I donated my blood four times, and I brought along my son on June 14, which is Blood Donor Day. He received a certificate and I told him, he has contributed to saving many lives. Donors will also receive a certificate as a token of appreciation when they donate five pints of blood at the same organisation to encourage blood donation.
FAN FUNG CHONG, 48
Mechanical electrical contractor
I am actually afraid of needles, but my wife called me a scaredy-cat for being afraid of them. Back then, I was still afraid that it would be painful when I first started but then I thought, it is worth it to handle the pain when my action could help many patients who lack blood from accidents or fatalities. Since then, I have tried to be courageous and now is my 26th donation since 2007.
SKINNI JUPRI, 25
Clerk
The last time I donated was in December 2024. I avoided donating last year because I was so busy that I could not get enough sleep, which is not an ideal condition to donate my blood. My preparation before donating is usually I would eat a heavy meal in the morning or drink a lot of water before donating. If I don’t have enough time to drink a lot of water, I drink sweet drinks instead. Otherwise, the process doesn’t go smoothly. For example, earlier the nurse told me to drink more because I hadn’t had enough water, and after I drank, the process went smoothly. Donors also always get rewarded with goodie bags every time we donate, which persuades many people to come. It is important to donate while we are still young because who knows when we get older, we will not have the time or health capacity to donate.
DARYL CHIN KWAN HWA, 42
Regular donor
The next day after I donated, I always feel so much lighter and have a clearer mind. If you are afraid of needles, you just need to look away when they insert it. I promise it does not hurt at all, it only feels like an ant bite.
RICKO BOLO, 36
Mechanic
Before donating, I would advise you to take care of your diet, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. Do not forget to go for a check-up to see if you have any illnesses or your health state makes you not eligible to donate. The donated blood may also help family members, friends, or even strangers
