The importance of giving: Ong and Lim with the awards they received in conjunction with the National World Blood Donors celebration at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre.
JOHOR BARU: Despite being afraid of needles, Diana Lim Kyun Yen has never missed the opportunity to donate blood in the hope of saving lives.
The 54-year-old mother of two started donating blood in her early 20s, beginning with a blood donation drive in Negri Sembilan.
“It was scary at first, but after I donated my blood for the first time, I realised there was nothing to be afraid of as it was a painless process.
“I still have a bit of fear for needles, but it has never stopped me from donating blood.
“Each time I want to donate blood, I remind myself this is a small deed and I am capable of doing it to save others.
“I am not a doctor nor am I a nurse who can help those fighting for their lives.
“Donating blood is the only way I can help them,” she said in an interview.
The Sabahan businesswoman who now lives in Kuala Lumpur has donated blood a total of 123 times to the National Blood Centre (PDN).
She was awarded with the title of individual who has donated blood the most number of times to PDN for the female category during the National World Blood Donors celebration at Persada Johor International Convention Centre here.
Lim said that she has also encouraged many of her friends and family to donate blood as she strongly believes in the cause.
“I will invite others to donate blood with me, even people I hardly know.
“I hope others will also come forward to do their part as there are many who are relying on the blood we give,” she said.
Receiving the same award for the male category was Ong Wah Pu, who has donated blood a total of 141 times to PDN.
Ong said that he eagerly waited until he reached the age of 18 so that he could donate his blood for the first time.
“When you are young, you may not have the money or time to help those around you.
“Donating blood is one way for me to do my part for the community.
“After donating my blood for the first time, I feel a great sense of satisfaction and continue doing so every three to four months until today.
“It has now become a habit for me,” said the 52-year-old father of one.
Ong, who is the deputy sales development director of a factory in Kuala Lumpur, hopes to see the younger generation donating blood as well.
“Regular blood donors from my generation will soon have to stop donating once we reach the age of 60.
“It is important that young people replace us in replenishing the blood supply,” he said.
On Sunday, Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said that blood donation rate in Malaysia is gradually improving after falling during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added that the ministry has set a target to increase the blood donation rate to between 35 and 40 donors for every 1,000 people by 2030.
