PRESS STATEMENT
BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF HEALTH, MALAYSIA
“BICARA HATI” IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LAUNCHING OF NATIONAL ORGAN DONATION
AWARENESS WEEK 2012
14th October 2012, Sunday
- This is the third edition of the National Organ Donation Awareness Week since it was first organised by the Ministry of Health in 2010. This year’s celebrations begin with “Bicara Hati” (From the Heart), which is a programme to acknowledge our appreciation for the determination, sacrifice and immense contribution of the families of the deceased organ donors to the lives of those who are in need. The programme is co-hosted by the National Transplant Resource Centre, the National Heart Institute and the Medical Development Division of the MOH.
- During such difficult times when faced with the death of their loved ones, there are many Malaysians who are kind-hearted and strong enough to think about other people’s needs, which in this case, are the organs vital for life. The Ministry of Health Malaysia honours the spirit of these heroes who are exemplary role models for all Malaysians.
- In general, the awareness levels regarding organ donation in Malaysia has improved. It is important to note that the number of new organ donor pledgers and the actual number of deceased donors have increased. There are now 205,478 Malaysians who have pledged their organs. However this only represents 0.73% of the total Malaysian population.
- It is for this reason that the Ministry will continue to play an active role in the campaign, including using the various media channels (mainstream media and also alternative media such as social networking websites).
- In conjunction with this year’s celebrations, the Ministry will be introducing the new donor pledge card, in appreciation of the contribution and support of all Malaysians for the Government’s efforts to help the many people who are in need. Also in today’s celebrations, the Ministry will officially launch the on-line registration system as one of the efforts to facilitate the registration process for organ donation pledgers. The on-line registration system is available at www.agiftoflife.gov.my.
- In line with advancements in Information Technology, the internet campaign has become an important tool to deliver the various social messages more effectively. The Ministry of Health will also launch its social networking channels to promote organ donation and these are Facebook.com/agiftoflife, YouTube.com/ntrctv dan Twitter @ntrc_hkl.
- Organ donation is truly the gift of life and it is hoped that more Malaysians will come forward to pledge their organs.
Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai
APPENDIX
Launching of the new donor pledge card
Front
Back
Launching of the online registration system for donor pledgers
Website www.agiftoflife.gov.my
Launching of Facebook.com/agiftoflife
Launching of YouTube.com/ntrctv
Launching of Twitter @ntrc_hkl