KOTA KINABALU: A private hospital here has engaged two newly-minted Mr Kaamatan (MRK) to attract more people to donate blood.
The 2024 Bandaraya MRK Alvin Ajirin also urged youths to support the campaign as blood donations could help those in need.
"Initially, it was scary to see the needles used during the process, but after it was done, I felt calm and hoped more youngsters would become donors," said the 22-year-old, who also presented gifts to patients at the KPJ Sabah dialysis centre here.
Also donating blood for the first time was MRK Inanam Inlo Ansim, 23, who was initially reluctant to undergo the process.
"I was afraid and did not want to donate blood, but thankfully, I managed to do it for the first time today," he said in a statement.
Both were met during the blood donation campaign by the private specialist hospital in collaboration with Queen Elizabeth II Hospital yesterday.
Meanwhile, KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital general manager, Mohamad Faizal Mohamed, said the main objective of the campaign was to help increase the blood supply.
"This activity is also aimed at encouraging those who have never donated blood before and raising awareness about the importance of donating blood to help patients suffering from anemia, leukemia, hemophilia, and other conditions.
"KPJ Sabah is grateful for the support received from friends and donors who contributed to the success of the campaign, not forgetting the cooperation from SM Food & Beverages Sdn Bhd," he said.
The one-day campaign collected 50 pints of blood from donors, including KPJ Sabah staff, patients and hospital visitors, the Sabah Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH), the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (Lintas), as well as new donors.