IPOH, MALAYSIA - The dengue outbreak in Perak has badly hit blood supply in hospitals here and in Manjung district, which recorded the highest number of dengue cases.

Health, Environment and Human Resource Committee chairman A. Sivanesan urged the public to donate blood at Hospital Raja Perempuan Bainun here and at Seri Manjung Hospital.

'The blood bank is depleted. The situation is bad,' he said.

Sivanesan pointed out that the supply of blood was normally low during festive seasons because of road accidents.

'But coupled with the increasing number of dengue cases in the state, the supply is badly hit,' he said.

It had been reported that Perak recorded four dengue deaths in the first nine months of the year with all cases reported in Manjung district.

The district also recorded the most number of dengue cases in the state.

In a circular distributed recently to non-governmental organisations urging the public to donate blood, Hospital Raja Perempuan Bainun said those who contracted dengue haemorrhagic fever needed blood for transfusion.

It said the hospital would open tomorrow and on Tuesday from 8am to 5pm and from 8pm to 10pm for the public to donate blood.

It would also open on the first and second day of Hari Raya from 1pm to 6pm for blood donors.

Those interested to donate can call the hospital at 05-522 2637.