DONATING blood should be a social responsibility of every member of society, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said without valuable support from every member of the community, it will be very difficult to refill blood banks at the hospitals to meet the growing need.
“This is important because blood is life and donating your blood can save lives.
“To those who have donated blood and are regular donors, you guys are very special and one of a kind. This is an act of kindness that has no price.
“And I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the regular blood donors all these years.
“Your selfless and heroic acts in donating blood help to bring hope to patients who urgently need blood to survive.
“I also would like to encourage everyone to come forward and be part of this noble act,” Chow said in his speech during a special appreciation dinner held at Butterworth Arena in Ampang Jajar today.
Also present were state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad and state Health Department director Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin.
The special appreciation dinner was organised by YB Phee’s office.
The objective is to appreciate various associations for their commitment to organising blood donation campaigns from time to time to prevent blood banks at the hospitals in Penang from running low.
Chow also commended the associations in the state for consistently helping to replenish the blood supply in various hospitals in Penang.
He said he hoped such efforts will continue to encourage the public to donate their blood.
Meanwhile, Phee said Penang is blessed to have so many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that continue to assist the state government in various matters.
“Once upon a time, the community’s attitude was very negative and skeptical, giving various reasons to avoid donating blood.
“However, nowadays we are grateful for the various promotions and awareness campaigns organised by these NGOs. The public is now beginning to realise the significance of becoming a blood donor,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix and video by Siew Chia En