SACRIFICE OF DONOR’S MOTHER REFLECTS ORGAN DONATION CAMPAIGN - DZULKEFLY

KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) has designated 2026 as the ‘National Mission’ year to promote organ donation in the country through the Warisku, Hormati Ikrarku (My Family, Respect My Pledge) campaign.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the mission aims to ensure families respect donors’ final wishes, as next-of-kin support is vital for successful transplants.

Over 400,000 Malaysians have pledged as donors via the MySejahtera app, yet more than 10,000 patients remain on the waiting list because some families do not honour the donors’ wishes.

“I am fully aware that this digital pledge needs to be shared with families beforehand,” he said in a post on X tonight.

Earlier, Dzulkefly expressed his sorrow as well as admiration for 21-year-old donor Muhammad Zahran Muhammad Zuraidi, who died at Selayang Hospital this morning.

He said Muhammad Zahran has left a ‘lifeline’ for others through donations of his liver, kidneys, corneas, and heart.

“I am deeply moved by the fortitude shown by his mother. She truly represents the ‘Warisku, Hormati Ikrarku’ campaign, choosing to honour her son’s final wish despite her grief,” he said.

Dzulkefly also prayed that Muhammad Zahran’s soul be blessed and placed among the righteous.

Media reports cited that organ transplantation will be promoted as a national agenda, as the MOH restructures the National Transplant Centre (NTC) to serve as the central body overseeing policy, administration, and coordination nationwide.

Dzulkefly reportedly said organ transplants in Malaysia remain low despite strong clinical expertise and public-private infrastructure, amid rising end-stage organ failure from non-communicable diseases and gaps in early prevention and care.

-- BERNAMA