Blood donors set new record

MALACCA - A new record was set in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) when 29 polytechnics in the country teamed up to organise the biggest blood donation drive.

The campaign, held simultaneously nationwide for eight hours yesterday, broke the previous record of 12,000 donors by getting 13,850 donors. The event was organised by the Higher Education Ministry's Polytechnic Education Department, the polytechnics and other agencies.

Malacca Polytechnic deputy director Mohd Ariffin Aman said they were happy to help create the new MBR record and also spread the message about the gift of life.

"We wanted to help raise the supply at blood banks nationwide as we might not know when someone would need them."

The Malacca drive was organise by the polytechnic, Malacca Hospital blood bank and the state Religious Department at Tesco Peringgit. It attracted 401 donors.

First-time donor M. Thavaneshan, who was also the organising committee member, said donating blood was one of the ways to help give back to the community. Another student, Nor Amirah Md Kisom, 18, said she decided to join the campaign to help others.