KUCHING: Donating one’s blood is the most precious contribution a person can make.
In making this assertion, Batu Lintang assemblyman, See Chee How, paid tribute to those who have helped save countless lives through their selfless act of giving.
He was speaking at a handover event here on Wednesday which saw the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS) Batu Lintang branch contributing 500 sets of food and beverages to the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Blood Bank in appreciation of the commitment of both donors and the transfusion services team.
“Blood is essential to life. When you donate blood, you are giving something from your own body that can save another human being. It is the most valuable gift anyone can offer to society,” he said.
See praised the SGH Blood Bank for coordinating blood donation drives across the city and surrounding areas almost every week.
“This demonstrates the Sarawak spirit where everyone supports one another. Sarawakians are always ready to lend a hand.
“To see young people, especially women and students, taking the initiative to donate is very encouraging. It shows we are nurturing a caring generation willing to contribute to the community,” he said.
Meanwhile, Transfusion Medicine Specialist, Dr Wong Yi Shen, from the Department of Transfusion Services and Blood Bank, thanked the public for their consistent support.
“We receive about 20 to 30 donors on weekdays, and each donation can help save up to three lives,” he said, stressing that SGH requires around 75 units of blood daily to meet patient needs.
“Although our supply is currently stable, we still need donors every day, especially platelets due to their short five-day shelf life,” he said.
Dr Wong added that all blood supply in Sarawak is sourced solely from voluntary, non-remunerated donors.
“Their altruistic spirit keeps the system going,” he emphasised.
Among the community leaders present were Penghulu Datuk Pui Chow Hin and Penghulu Giam Ann Kee.
