Lyna Mohamad
The country’s top five avid blood donors were among the public who rolled up their sleeves in support of the blood donation drive hosted by Radisson Hotel yesterday.
The drive, in collaboration with Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) was participated by Haji Abdullah Munchit, Haji Moksin bin Haji Karim, Major Idris OKMB Haji Othman, Haji Rosli bin Haji Abdul Ghani and Tung Yiu Hung. Haji Abdullah’s donation marked his 187th blood donation while Haji Moksin saw his 176th and Major Idris had his 159th.
Both Haji Rosli and Tung marked their 157th donation for the cause.
The donation drive was organised in conjunction with World Blood Donor Day.
Employees of Radisson Hotel also supported the drive. The hotel’s Human Resources Department officer Roby has been an avid donor for 10 years.
“My grandfather was transferred to JPMC at the time and he needed a blood transfusion. While he only needed blood type O+ ( a common blood type among Bruneians), I donated a pint to help him,” Roby recalled on his first blood donation experience in 2007.
“Since then I have been doing quite a number of blood donations with JPMC. I wanted to do my part to donate whenever I can and help those in need,” he added.
Among the donors was a PhD student from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Abdul Malik Omar, who came to the donation drive through a friend’s recommendation.
“I’ve donated blood about six to seven times, but I feel like I need to catch up to the ones who’ve been donating a lot more. This is my motivation,” said Abdul Malik.
“My first experience was spontaneous. I was around the area at the time and saw a blood donation drive. I thought to myself, why not? It was pretty intimidating but the medical staff there were quite helpful. When you bleed for a cause, it’s a good thing. Don’t let your fear stop you from doing it,” he added.
Housewife Noni Santi binti Othman from Jalan Muara saw the blood drive campaign on social media and drove straight to the hotel.
“I try to donate blood every four months since I started before the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Noni Santi.
“I’m afraid of needles but the thought of a good deed and donating for those in need overcame that fear. Think of it as part of your alms when you donate blood. It works well for me and my husband who also donates blood as often as he can,” she added.
World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually every June 14 and serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the need to save blood and to thank blood donors for their life-saving contributions.
“We are happy to be able to host this blood donation drive with JPMC and the support from our generous partners,” said Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam General Manager Miriam Wolber.
Through the initiative, they hope to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and encourage guests and the local community to join in making a positive impact on the lives of others.
“Together, we can contribute to saving lives and fostering a stronger, more compassionate society,” she added.
