O+ hero: Chin Jeck Leng donates blood 580 times, becomes first Malaysian woman to win ‘Medal for Life'

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 — The struggle of finding O+ blood donors for her mother, who needed a transfusion after undergoing abdominal surgery nearly five decades ago, was a turning point for Chin Jeck Leng to become a dedicated blood donor.
Driven by the determination to prevent others from going through the same ordeal, the 65-year-old does not mind making the trip to the National Blood Centre in Jalan Tun Razak every two weeks, all in the name of saving more lives.
The former head of Human Resource Management at a local bank has donated blood an astounding 580 times, an extraordinary achievement that not only earned her widespread recognition but also made her the first woman in the country to receive the prestigious Medal for Life award.
'I was still a child during that surgery in 1980 and not eligible to donate. It was challenging to find donors among family and relatives, as not many were willing to give blood.
'And the only person willing to donate was my neighbour, who asked for payment. That was when I realised how vital the sacrifice of a blood donor truly is, as it offers hope to those in need. After all, blood is something money can't buy,' she said.
She spoke to reporters after receiving the award at the national-level World Blood Donor Day appreciation ceremony and the silver jubilee celebration of the National Blood Centre, which Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad officiated.
The Kuantan, Pahang native, who began donating blood at 18, said she remains in good health and free from any illnesses to this day. She expressed hope that more people, especially the younger generation, would come forward to become blood donors.
Meanwhile, Anugerah Delima recipient Norhasri Mohamad Jadi, 44, has been donating blood since he was 28 due to a traumatic childhood experience. He was involved in a road accident at the age of three and suffered severe blood loss.
He recalled that his family was returning to Kuala Lumpur from their hometown in Teluk Kemang, Negeri Sembilan when the vehicle skidded while trying to avoid a lorry.
'That's why I decided to become a blood donor. I realised just how life-changing a donor's contribution can be,' he said, adding that the crash left his right arm and leg permanently impaired.
The O+ e-hailing driver has donated blood 99 times and was the only blood donor with a disability to receive an award at the ceremony.
The Anugerah Delima is awarded to individuals who have made between 76 and 100 apheresis donations, where only specific components of the blood are collected, and the rest of the blood is returned to the donor's body during the same session, or 31 to 40 whole blood donations. — Bernama

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Malay Mail

9 hours ago

• Malay Mail

PM's office delivers assistance to cancer-stricken single mother in Kampung Tebing Tinggi

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended assistance to a single mother, Azizah Mahmood, who is battling colon cancer in Kampung Tebing Tinggi, Balok, Kuantan. The contribution was delivered by the Prime Minister's political secretary Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, during a visit under the Ziarah MADANI programme. Ahmad Farhan said Azizah, a mother of five who works as a cleaner to support her family, is also struggling with poor living conditions, while requiring continuous medical treatment and monthly supplements. 'We are looking into the types of assistance that can be expedited, whether in terms of healthcare or home repairs,' he said in a Facebook post shared by the prime minister today. Ahmad Farhan also prayed for Azizah's continued strength and recovery, and expressed hope that the family's affairs would be eased. — Bernama

Malay Mail

10 hours ago

• Malay Mail

After deadly bus crash, Perak MB urges federal support for East-West Highway and Gerik Hospital upgrades in 13MP

IPOH, June 21 — Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has expressed hope that the proposal to upgrade the East-West Highway (JRTB) linking Gerik and Jeli will be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Saarani said the state government had conveyed its intention to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Lumut last week. 'What's most important is to reassess the alignment and widening of the JRTB. The upgrade involves more than just resurfacing; it requires a full reconstruction, as the existing structure is so old that some of the damage has exposed the road base. 'This highway has been in use for over 40 years, and simply patching up damaged sections may no longer be sufficient. However, the state government fully understands that constructing a new alignment or rebuilding the JRTB would require substantial funding,' he said at a press conference after officiating the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Training Week at the Ipoh Convention Centre here today. Saarani said the state government has also instructed the State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport chairman, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, and Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration chairman A. Sivanesan, to prepare a report and study on upgrading the JRTB and Gerik Hospital. 'Mohammad Nizar will obtain information and data from the Works Ministry regarding the upgrade of the JRTB, while Sivanesan is working on applying to the Health Ministry for the upgrading of Gerik Hospital, as there is an urgent need in the event of accidents. Typically, victims are taken to Hospital Taiping or the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital. 'If upgraded, it would be sufficient for patients or victims to be treated at Gerik Hospital, provided it is equipped with the necessary facilities and expertise. Once the study is completed, we will submit a letter to the relevant ministry,' he added. In the early hours of June 9, a tragic accident along the JRTB near Tasik Banding, Gerik, claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Perguruan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students when the chartered bus transporting them from Jertih, Terengganu, to the main campus in Tanjong Malim, Perak, was involved in a crash. The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and his assistant, as well as the driver and three passengers of a multi-purpose vehicle. — Bernama

Malay Mail

12 hours ago

• Malay Mail

Serdang Hospital gives PM Anwar clean bill of health after annual check-up

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 — An annual medical check-up shows that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is in very good health, said Sultan Idris Shah Hospital director Dr Farique Rizal Abdul Hamid. He said the Prime Minister underwent his annual check-up at the hospital in Serdang today. 'Alhamdulillah, the results show that the Prime Minister is in very good health and is able to carry out his official duties as usual,' he said in a statement. Dr Farique Rizal said the health check-up was part of the Prime Minister's commitment to staying fit and ready to lead the country's administration and to carry out his responsibilities to the people with full dedication. — Bernama