KOTA SAMARAHAN: What began as an ordinary day out at The Summer Shopping Mall here turned into a meaningful act of community service for dozens of shoppers who rolled up their sleeves to donate blood.
The blood donation drive, organised by The Summer Shopping Mall in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (KKM) and the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Blood Bank on Saturday (Dec 27), surpassed its target of 50 blood packs, reaching the goal as early as 11am — three hours before its scheduled 2pm closing.
Sarawak Tribune took the opportunity to speak with the organiser and several donors to gain insights into the motivations and experiences behind their generous acts.
Advertising and Promotion executive of the mall, Jeffry Lawing, said the main objective of the drive was simple yet critical— to help replenish blood stocks in SGH for patients in need.
“We were very happy with the outcome. What really captivated us was the number of walk-in donors — people who were not aware there was a blood donation drive happening but decided to participate after passing by the area,” he said.
Jeffry noted that donors arrived steadily throughout the day rather than all at once, allowing the process to run smoothly.
At times, around 10 donors came every half hour, creating a consistent flow without overwhelming the schedule of medical staff.
“This is my first time organising a blood donation drive and also my first time working directly with the blood bank hospital.
Overall, it was simple but meaningful,” he added, noting that minor crowd control during the morning rush was the only challenge encountered.
Among the donors was Marvellyn Lydia, 20, a first-year Cognitive Science and Human Development student from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), who donated blood for the first time after noticing an ambulance parked at the mall.
“I actually came here just to hang out. When I saw the ambulance, I thought, ‘Oh, it would be good to donate blood,’” she told Sarawak Tribune.
Despite being a first-time donor, Marvellyn said she did not feel particularly nervous.
Her familiarity with medical procedures, gained from accompanying her mother who has a chronic illness, helped ease her anxiety.
“My only concern was whether I might faint. But the experience was good and everything went smoothly,” she said, praising the medical staff for their professionalism and clear communication.
“They were very friendly, and that made a big difference.
“If possible, lie down and watch Netflix or something, because the process can take a bit of time,” she added, offering light-hearted advice to other first-time donors.
Marvellyn said that she would definitely consider donating blood again in the future, noting that government initiatives and benefits for blood donors also encourage participation.
“For those still hesitant, the first donation can be scary, but if you donate blood, you can be a ‘blood superhero’.
“For women especially, donating blood is a small thing compared to what we go through, including childbirth.
“By donating, we’re helping other women who are giving birth and might need blood transfusion due to unforeseen emergencies,” she said.
While first-time donors brought fresh energy to the drive, regular donors also played a key role in meeting the target early.
Muhammad Fauzan bin Abu Bakar, 39, a lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), has been donating blood since he was 18, when he made his first donation during his Form Six years in Johor.
Since then, his donation pattern has been shaped by frequent moves, from Johor to Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan, overseas and eventually Sarawak.
“It wasn’t every six months, but whenever there was an opportunity, I would donate,” he said.
Over the past two decades, Fauzan estimates he has donated blood about seven to eight times.
Despite the availability of incentives such as free medical services, Fauzan said these were never his motivation.
“I never targeted the rewards. I don’t even keep proper records,” he admitted.
He observed that while public awareness of blood donation exists, the sense of urgency remains stagnant.
“People tend to think that if their blood type is common, there’s no rush to donate. But some surgeries can require up to 10 bags of blood at once,” he explained.
Fauzan believes mindset shifts and modern communication strategies, including social media influencers, can help increase participation.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring first-time donors have a positive experience.
“Preparation is key — mentally and physically. Eat properly, get enough rest, and don’t be nervous.
“A bad first experience can discourage someone from ever donating again,” he said.
Another notable presence at the drive was Zamberi Sapiee, 54, a medical staff, who donated blood together with his wife, Zaitun Jahot, also 54.
Zamberi said he had long intended to donate blood but only acted on the decision that day.
“Everything went smoothly. The paperwork was simple, and after donating, the food tasted good,” he chuckled.
Meanwhile, Zaitun described the process as efficient and stress-free.
“It was fast — register, health check, then donate. About half an hour,” she said, adding that she did not feel nervous at all.
With 25 years of experience working in a clinic, Zamberi understands the importance of blood supplies, having previously been involved in sending blood to hospitals and blood banks.
Both he and his wife agreed they would donate again in the future.
“Donating blood is a way of helping others. One day, it could even be our own family members who need blood.
“That’s why it’s important to help when we can. We also teach our children about this,” Zaitun told Sarawak Tribune.
Meanwhile, Jeffry described the drive as a success and expressed hope that similar initiatives could continue.
“As long as people are happy to contribute and understand the value of what they’re giving, that’s what matters most,” he said.
The event highlighted that blood donation, whether by first-timers or regular donors, is a vital act of civic responsibility — one that can save lives and foster a spirit of solidarity among participants.
