27-07-2025
Army veteran among blood donors honoured at MRC Kapit event
Ari (third right) receives the certificate from Jamit in the presence of MRC Kapit chairman Dr Sia Tih Kong (fourth right) and others.
KAPIT (July 27): The Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Kapit branch hosted a special dinner at the civic centre here on Saturday to convey appreciation to 231 local blood donors.
From the total, 25 were 'diamond' donors—those who contributed between 101 pints and 125 pints, 26 'gold' donors (71-100 pints), 73 'silver' donors (35-50 pints), and 107 'bronze' donors (at least 25 pints).
Among the 'Diamond Award' honourees was retired army sergeant Ari MS Maniam who recorded a total of 125 pints.
Apart from the certificate of recognition, the 65-year-old veteran also received a hamper from Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, who was the event's guest of honour.
Hailing from Johor but currently settled in Song, Ari—nicknamed 'All Black' in his former Army Explosives Unit—said he began donating at age 20 back in 1979.
'Up to Dec 31, 2024, I have donated 125 pints. I feel this is the best way to help those in dire need.
'In the past, I would travel to Kapit Hospital to donate blood, once every four months. Now, I do it at Song Health Clinic because the facility is there.
'I still want to donate, although my children have been advising against it as I am getting old,' he told The Borneo Post.
Other Diamond honourees were Poh Ah Bee and Wong Ting Seng who donated 111 pints and 109 pints, respectively.
Political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Watson Awan Jalai; Kapit District officer Cerisologo Sabut; Bukit Mabong District officer Jabang Juntan; local community Kapitan Yap Hui Li; and, accompanied Jamit on stage during the presentation. blood donors dinner Malaysian Red Crescent
