KUALA LUMPUR: St John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM) is holding a blood donation drive in support of the National Blood Bank.
“As public movement is restricted to a 10km radius (during the Movement Control Order (MCO)), SJAM provides alternative locations to ease access for blood donors,” SJAM honorary secretary-general Hoo We Tak said in a statement.
However, he said dates and venues are subject to change on the advice of the National Blood Bank and Health Ministry.
Donors who wish to donate blood are advised to fill in two simple forms online for travel slips to be emailed to them. Donor assessment can also be done online.
These additional steps are explained in PDN’s (national blood bank) social media platforms as well as the SJAM website at http://sjam.org.my/blood-donation/
He said that the SJAM Unit in Muar has collected 201 bags of blood in the past eight days.
“SJAM would like to thank all donors in Muar for their support and assistance during this time of need. At SJAM’s national headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, donors are provided hand sanitisers and have their temperatures recorded.
“Registration tables are placed two metres apart and beds a metre apart. Donors exit the blood donation hall through a separate door to improve flow and avoid crowds,” he said.
Meanwhile, beds and equipment are disinfected after each donor leaves. All volunteers also have their temperatures recorded at the beginning of each session and must wear face masks and disposable gloves while on duty.
SJAM commander-in-chief Datuk Lai See Ming said: “We are running low on personal protective equipment (PPE) but when a call for duty arises, we continue to support efforts by the Ministry of Health.
“As such, I hope the public can come forward to support us financially or by donating PPEs.”
A blood donor, See Chun Keat, said: “I would be lying if I said I had no fear (due to the Covid-19 situation) but blood supply still needs to be replenished. I felt safe as SJAM carried out enough preventive measures including early screening and social distancing.”
Sponsor Dr. Inhome Sdn. Bhd carries out preventive measures by thoroughly decontaminating premises before and after every blood donation activity; while Big Onion Caterer provides food for all volunteers and staff on duty.
The blood donation activity is among initiatives by the SJAM Covid-19 Task Force, which has been actively planning, coordinating and executing several initiatives since mid-March.
For inquiries, send an email to admin@sjam.org.my; or call 03-9285 1576/03-9281 5784 during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8am – 5pm).
*Locations for SJAM blood donation
1. St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (National Headquarters) 41, Jalan Shelley, Kuala Lumpur (Apr 17, 19, 22, 24, 26; 10am–2pm)
2. Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur North Court (Apr 18–28; 10am–5pm)
3. St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (Kawasan Pantai Selangor) 100, Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Taman Sri Pesona, 41100 Klang (Apr 19, 22, 24 & 26; 10am–3pm)
4. St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (Kawasan Melaka Tengah) KMT Wound Care Centre Melaka, 15, Jalan PNBBU 3, Jalan Niaga Bukit Baru Utama, Melaka (Apr 23 & 26; and May 1, 2, 8 & 9; 8.30am–2.30pm).