Miri Hospital is close to reaching the 10,000 blood donor target

MIRI, Sept. 16: Miri Hospital's blood bank has received about 6,000 donors as of August this year, with another 4,000 needed to reach the 10,000 donor target by the end of the year.

Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said that the target requires continued commitment from the community as well as various organizations and non-governmental bodies actively organizing blood donation campaigns.

According to him, Miri Hospital's blood bank targets at least 1,000 donors a month to ensure that the hospital's blood supply remains adequate.

"As of August, we have received about 6,000 donors. So, there's still about 4,000 more needed to reach the 10,000 donor target this year.

"At the same time, we hope to get at least 1,000 donors per month by the end of the year so that the target can be reached or, if possible, exceeded", he said when met while attending the 2026 Malaysia Blood Derma Day Programme in Aster Hall, here today.

In addition, the voluntary blood donation culture in Miri has been developing as a result of ongoing collaboration between the community, Red Crescent Malaysia and Miri Hospital over the past few decades.

Miri said she has managed to reach 100 percent of voluntary blood donors since 1979, thus helping Miri Hospital ensure an adequate blood supply without having to rely on substitute donors.

"This is an achievement of community collaboration with the Malaysian Red Crescent and Miri Hospital. In fact, Miri Hospital has also channelled blood supplies to other hospitals like Marudi and Limbang when needed", he added.

He also appreciated the consistent commitment of associations and non-governmental bodies to organize blood donation campaigns, including mobile programs.

Efforts are essential to ensure that blood samples can be continuously collected and supplies at Miri Hospital Blood Bank are always adequate.

The 2026 Malaysia Blood Donor Day program "Connected by Blood, United by Love" is organized jointly with the Guang Ning Miri Association and the Blood Donors Collection Team, Malaysian Red Crescent Branch Miri.

The program also provides free health screenings including blood pressure, blood glucose levels and uric acid tests. - TVS