MORE than 250 individuals came forward to take part in the blood donation campaign organised by the Royal Thai Consulate General in Penang in partnership with Hui Yin Seh Metta Blood Donation Group and Penang Forward Sports Club at its premises in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman today.
Daniel Gooi, the Penang state executive councillor for Youth, Sports and Health, commended the organisers for their effort to collect at least 300 packs of blood for Penang Hospital, Penang Lam Wah Ee Hospital and Penang Island Hospital.
“As we all know, blood donation is not just an act of kindness but a ‘gift’ capable of saving lives.
“I am grateful to see so many brave blood savers stepping up to offer their life-giving blood and backing this event,” Gooi said during his speech after visiting the blood donation area.
Representing Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was unable to attend this campaign due to another official commitment, Gooi emphasised the significance of the blood donation, particularly as it coincided with the sixth cycle birthday celebration of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand on July 28.
This year marks the third edition of the initiative, with the Royal Consulate leading the blood donation campaign alongside Penang Forward Sports Club, and for the first time, collaborating with Penang Hui Yin Seh as co-organiser.
Gooi expressed his appreciation to Penang Forward Sports Club for not only excelling in sports but also for their commitment to charitable endeavours.
Hui Yin Seh, he said, needs no introduction anymore, being one of the most renowned and active charitable institutions, especially in organising blood donation campaigns.
Gooi was earlier warmly welcomed by His Excellency Raschada Jiwalai, the Consul-General of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang.
Other distinguished guests present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Forward Sports Club chairman Lim Choo Hooi, Hui Yin Seh adviser Datuk Chuang Keng Kung, Hui Yin Seh chairman Khiah Hock Leong, Hui Yin Seh vice-chairman Lim Thung Hin, National Registration Department Penang deputy director Awangku Iswandy Aswangku Serma, and Penang State Sports Council director Harry Chai Heng Hua.
Raschada expressed profound gratitude to fellow partners, Hui Yin Seh and Penang Forward Sports Club (PFSC), for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the success of the event.
He said: “Today, we’re helping each other, transcending boundaries of territory or religion. It is also a significant day for Thailand as we commemorate and celebrate His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 72nd anniversary birthday.
“Besides our regular supporters for blood donation, we have about 20 to 30 Thais from the community here joining us in celebrating this auspicious day.”
Choo Hooi said the blood donation drive today was significant in that it was held on Thai soil in Penang and the rare opportunity it provided for blood donors to enter the premises of the Royal Thai Consulate General.
“This will not be the last time Penang Forward Sports Club is involved in this initiative. We will continue our CSR (corporate social responsibility), doing it with passion and a dedication to serving the community,” Choo Hooi said.
He also mentioned that his club adviser, Datuk Tom Khoo, donated 10 pairs of shoes to various sponsors as a token of appreciation for their support.
Khiah shared that since Hui Yin Seh Metta Blood Donation Group was established in 1996, they have grown from only some dozen blood donation members to more than 10,000 members to date.
He also thanked all the unsung heroes who came forward to donate blood today, revealing that an impressive 150 points of blood were already collected within the first two hours.
“We organise and run blood donation activity monthly and have accumulatively collected more than 80,000 pints of blood since our establishment. The blood is supplied to several hospitals in the state regularly.
“According to medical analysis, donating blood can temporarily reduce the amount of red blood cells, reduce the viscosity of the blood, improve blood flow, and alleviate or prevent the problem associated with hyper-viscous blood.
“When our body’s blood amount is reduced, it can stimulate to increase the production of new blood, and to some extent speed up the process of metabolism.
“Additionally, donating blood can potentially reduce the risk of brain and heart vascular attacks. Therefore, I hereby appeal to all those in good health to come forward and join us in donating blood,” Khiah said.
Among the many blood donors today was ‘birthday boy’ Ch’ng Hong Hooi, a 52-year-old factory supervisor.
“I have donated blood over 20 times since the mid-90s. By donating blood, I want to help save more lives,” Ch’ng expressed, while Noorazimawati Ahmad, a staff nurse from the Penang Hospital blood bank, attended to him.
Also spotted donating blood were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, a committed regular blood donor, and Chief Minister Office special assistant Tan Hui Ming.
“This is my 16th time donating blood. I feel that this contribution is priceless as it can help save people’s lives,” Hui Ming said smilingly.
While one large area was designated for blood donation, additional counters were set up to offer free health checks and facilitate organ donation registration.
Furthermore, the National Registration Department also opened a counter to provide public consultation on identity card applications, citizenship inquiries, and birth certificate registrations.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by K.H. Ong and Lee Jia Ying