Kuala lumpur: Objections from organ donors’ next of kin are one of the primary hurdles facing organ donation in the country, where more than 10,000 patients remain on a waiting list for transplants, stated Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He highlighted that over 400,000 Malaysians have pledged to donate their organs, yet this number falls short of meeting the current demand.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Dzulkefly noted that the rate of deceased organ donors is low, with only 46 cases reported, translating to 1.33 donors per million population. He shared these insights while inaugurating the National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. The minister emphasized that there are 10,800 kidney patients awaiting transplants, along with others who need liver, heart, and lung transplants.

The organs most urgently required include the liver and heart, in addition to tissue and bone. Dr Dzulkefly underscored the necessity for all stakeholders to intensify efforts and adopt proactive strategies to bolster the organ donation agenda in the nation.

The theme of this year’s National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week, ‘Warisku, Hormati Ikrarku,’ aims to encourage the public to honor the pledges of organ donors. Dr Dzulkefly expressed hope that this theme would guide awareness programs, leading to greater success in organ donation efforts. He compared the country’s progress to predominantly Muslim nations like Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Iran, as well as to European countries such as Spain and the United States, where organ donation rates are higher.

Plans are in motion to upgrade the National Transplant Resource Centre to the National Transplant Centre. This transformation is part of broader efforts to enhance governance, expand capacity, and foster innovation in donation and transplant services, with the initiative currently in the stakeholder engagement phase.

Dr Dzulkefly also mentioned that the organ donation agenda will be a focal point at the ASEAN Health Ministers’ Meeting in 2026, anticipated to take place in Melaka, to ensure that organ donation and transplant initiatives are incorporated into ASEAN health cooperation.