Kuala lumpur: The Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) is organising a three-month nationwide blood donation and health awareness campaign from Sept 1 to Nov 30, marking its 10th consecutive year of community service. Held in collaboration with the National Blood Centre (PDN), the National Association of Malaysian Life Insurance and Family Takaful Advisors (NAMLIFA) and 16 member companies, the initiative began with a three-day public health awareness event at Medan MARA here, which runs from Sept 2 until tomorrow.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, LIAM president Pauline Teoh said the campaign went beyond encouraging blood donations, serving as a reminder for Malaysians to take personal responsibility for their health and well-being. "Your contribution may take only a small amount of your time, but for someone in need, it can make an enormous difference. A single blood donation can be a simple act of kindness that helps save lives," she said in her speech at the campaign's launch at Medan MARA today.
The campaign was officially launched by Bank Negara Malaysia Consumer and Market Conduct Department director Lau Chin Ching. Also present were PDN director Dr Nor Nazahah Mahmud, NAMLIFA president Robin Woh and MARA Commercial Infrastructure Division deputy director Azar Hairussani Mohd Lud.
Teoh emphasized that preventive healthcare does not require drastic lifestyle shifts, but rather simple, consistent daily habits such as balanced eating, staying physically active, getting sufficient rest, managing stress, and attending regular health screenings. As part of the initiative, LIAM has also set up a dedicated SEMAK KASIH counter at Medan MARA to help members of the public check whether a deceased family member left behind unclaimed life insurance or family takaful policy benefits.
"SEMAK KASIH is a single, trusted platform jointly developed by LIAM and the Malaysian Takaful Association to help families reconnect with life insurance and takaful benefits left behind by their loved ones. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to visit the counter and check whether a deceased loved one may have left behind any unclaimed life insurance or family takaful benefits with participating insurers and takaful operators," she added. She also encouraged Malaysians to adopt three core principles from the campaign, which are prioritising personal health, staying informed about well-being, and looking out for one another.
Meanwhile, LIAM Chief Executive Officer Mark O'Dell said the campaign had evolved into a sustained community effort through the commitment of member companies, healthcare partners and volunteers. "This campaign is really about something much bigger than a single event. It is about bringing people together around a simple but important message...that looking after our health and supporting one another should be part of our everyday lives. Every bag of blood donated today represents more than just blood. It represents hope, a second chance and the possibility for someone to return home to the people who matter most," he said.
Throughout the three-day event at Medan MARA, visitors can access complimentary health services, including health screenings, posture assessments and educational health talks. The services are being provided by LIAM's healthcare partners, including the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, ROSE Foundation, KPJ Healthcare Group, Medic Physio Empire Sdn Bhd and SALAM Shah Alam Specialist Hospital.