Update on organ donation
THIS year marks five decades since the start of solid organ transplants in Malaysia. On Aug 13, World Organ Donation Day, we had an opportunity to reflect on how much progress we have made in this field since then.
The dermaorgan.gov.my website gives almost real-time details of the number of patients waiting for an organ transplant in Malaysia. It also shares the number of donors who have pledged their organs upon their demise. The total number is 403,532 so far in a population of 34 million people. Of these, only 1,014 have been actual donors.
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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Update on organ donation
A nurse explaining to member of public about the importance of organ donation at Penang Hospital. (March 17, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. THIS year marks five decades since the start of solid organ transplants in Malaysia. On Aug 13, World Organ Donation Day, we had an opportunity to reflect on how much progress we have made in this field since then. The website gives almost real-time details of the number of patients waiting for an organ transplant in Malaysia. It also shares the number of donors who have pledged their organs upon their demise. The total number is 403,532 so far in a population of 34 million people. Of these, only 1,014 have been actual donors.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Borneo Post
Respect organ donation pledges, doctor urges next-of-kin
The participants of the the organ donation seminar. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 12): Queen Elizabeth Hospital (HQE) director Dr William Gotulis has urged the public to respect the wishes of individuals who have registered as pledged organ donors, in line with this year's Organ Donation Awareness Week (MKPO) theme – 'Warisku, Hormati Ikrarku.', literally means 'My Next-of-kin, Honour My Pledge.' 'This theme carries a profound message – the hope of a pledged donor that their noble intention to help others will be honoured and fulfilled by their family after their passing,' he said when officiating the Organ Donation Seminar 2025 at HQE. The seminar marks the opening of HQE's MKPO celebration, held in conjunction with World Organ Donation Day on August 13. The annual seminar was attended by 200 healthcare workers from across Sabah. Dr William noted that organ donation is not new in Malaysia, which conducted its first kidney transplant in 1975. However, it remains a complex and sensitive issue that requires deeper understanding from both healthcare workers and the public. In Sabah, the first recorded organ donations took place 25 years ago, in 2000, involving the late Datuk Felix Golingi (eye donation) and the late Raymond Kueh (eye and kidneys donation). As of June 2025, Sabah has recorded 46 organ and tissue donors, of which 34 cases (74%) were conducted at HQE – far lower than the national total of 1,014 cases. 'Behind every donation statistic lies a family's story. From a loss, hope is born for those in need. Organ donation is not merely a medical issue, but one that touches on humanity, empathy and trust,' he said. On pledged donors, Malaysia currently has 393,690 registered pledgers, with only 21,152 (5.37%) from Sabah. Highlighting challenges, Dr William said Sabah faces not only logistical and healthcare facility limitations but also cultural and personal beliefs that affect the success of the organ donation programme. 'However, significant change can begin with small, consistent steps to raise awareness among both the public and healthcare workers,' he said, while recognising the roles of the Sabah Transplant Resource Centre (STRC), Hospital Organ Procurement Unit (UPOH), Organ and Tissue Procurement Team (TOP Team), and dedicated hospital staff. These efforts, he added, have enabled HQE to be recognised among the nation's top-performing hospitals in organ donation in recent years. Meanwhile, State Transplant Coordinator Chief of STRC, Low Lieh Yong, who also chaired the seminar's organising committee, reminded that every individual who has registered or wishes to register as a pledged donor should inform their family. 'We never know when we will become an actual donor, but it is important for families to understand why we wish to donate,' he said. Registration can now be done easily through the MySejahtera. Also present were Dr Marcus Netto (Deputy Director Clinical I, HQE), Dr Darlene Flavius Ongkili (Emergency Physician and State Transplant Procurement Manager) and Dr Herna Marlynnie Mursaid (Anaesthesiologist and UPOH Head, HQE). The seminar also featured experts in the field of organ donation, including Prof Dr Lily Ng Mooi Hang, Dr Fong Kean Khang, Dr Abdul Jabbar Ismail, Norfairuziana Tinggal, and Raynee Kumilau. In addition, there were sharing sessions by organ donor families and transplant recipients, namely Mrs Jassica Ho and Mrs Junaidah Jimmy.
The Star
03-08-2025
- The Star
Layers of protection from the sun
Shades of care: Since Malaysia's UV Index is high, it is advisable for individuals to be aware of how to protect themselves from the harsh sun's rays. KUCHING: Effective protection against solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure goes beyond just applying sunscreen lotion, say experts. While sunscreen is important, they said it should be complemented with other measures due to Malaysia's high UV levels. Consultant dermatologist Dr Ruth Ling said Malaysia's UVI (UV Index) often hits 11 and higher, which is considered extreme. 'This is similar to Australia, where skin cancer rates are among the world's highest. 'In our tropical climate, UV defence must be multi-layered,' she said. Dr Ling said comprehensive protection strategies include broad-spectrum sunscreen, clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), wide-brimmed hats, oral sunblock supplements and, where possible, staying indoors or under shade from 10am to 4pm. In particular, she recommends going for annual skin checks as early detection can save lives. 'I find the expatriate community residing in Kuching to be very diligent about their skin checks,' she said, adding that she performed dermoscopy for suspicious skin growths and annual full body skin checks for patients with a history of skin cancer. The Star recently reported that Malaysians faced the dual threat of haze and high UVI levels, with each posing different health risks. The report stated that while the haze could reduce UV radiation, people still need to protect themselves from UV rays. Dr Ling said it is untrue that dark skin does not need protection or that indoor workers are safe from UV exposure. She said all skin types accumulate sun damage, with ultraviolet A (UVA) rays (primarily associated with skin ageing and wrinkling) able to penetrate windows. 'Many people underestimate UV risks due to misconceptions, such as a cloudy day being safe. 'Public education, especially for parents and outdoor workers, is critical,' she added. Hospital Bintulu plastic surgeon Dr Adriana Langat said antioxidants and sunscreen are useful for protection and prevention against damage caused by the sun. She said antioxidants counter sun damage by stimulating collagen synthesis, reducing pigmentation and improving the skin's barrier function, while sunscreen protects the skin from UV light. 'Sunscreen should be applied daily 15 minutes before leaving the house and reapplied after six hours. 'Applying sunscreen every day can help protect your skin from sunburn, skin cancer and premature signs of skin ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, when used in conjunction with other sun protection measures such as UV reflective garments, caps and sunglasses,' she said. Dr Adriana also said sunscreen with a higher SPF (sun protection factor) generally offers more protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are the main cause of sunburn. 'The SPF number tells you how long it would take for your skin to redden versus not wearing any sunscreen. 'For example, with SPF50, your skin would theoretically take 50 times longer to redden. 'Generally speaking, sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher can be considered effective for helping to protect against early skin ageing and skin cancer,' she said, adding that SPF30 and above is recommended. She also recommends avoiding the midday sun from 11am to 3pm, when sunlight passes vertically through the atmosphere with less filtering of dangerous UV light.
