The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) marked a historic milestone with the launch of its first-ever CODELife Carnival at DPULZE Shopping Centre, Cyberjaya. Held in conjunction with World Transplant Day, the carnival celebrated the power of organ donation, honoured donors and recipients, and brought vital awareness about kidney health to the heart of the community.
Drawing over 1,300 runners for its signature Kidney Rush Run, the event brought together a diverse crowd of patients, healthcare providers, students, families, and members of the public, each one contributing to a growing movement that sees organ donation not just as a medical procedure, but as an act of compassion and solidarity.
“CODELife is not just a celebration, it is a movement,” said YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Zaki Morad bin Mohd Zaher, Chairman of NKF. “Today, we continue building on years of awareness and outreach to encourage more Malaysians to talk about living-related kidney donation and register as organ donors.”
In total, more than 500 people participated in exhibitions, while 102 individuals received free health screenings and 45 donated blood at the on-site donation drive.
The highlight of the day was a series of powerful sharing sessions attended by over 160 participants, featuring heartfelt stories from both kidney donors and recipients. Moderated by Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Abd. Hafidz (Nephrologist, UiTM), the sessions gave voice to the real-life experiences of individuals whose lives have been transformed by transplantation. Speakers included donors and recipients, all of whom shared their inspiring journeys of hope and healing.
The event also hosted a panel on Understanding Organ Allocation in Malaysia, moderated by Dr. Iqbal and featuring Dr. Mohamad Zaimi Abdul Wahab, President of the Malaysian Society of Transplantation (MST), and Dr. Hasdy Haron, Deputy Director of the National Transplant Resource Centre (NTRC). Both experts highlighted the urgent need to expand transplant access and the importance of ethical, transparent allocation systems.
Dr. Hasdy also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to improving kidney care, especially in light of the recent resolution adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA), which recognises Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) as a major global health priority. “The CODELife Carnival is exactly the kind of people-centred initiative we need to strengthen our national transplant ecosystem,” he said.
Since its launch, CODELife has reached over 1,500 participants through forums and webinars, positively impacting more than 600 patients and caregivers. The carnival now marks a new chapter one - that brings this life-saving message directly into communities.
As kidney disease continues to rise in Malaysia, with over 50,000 individuals currently on dialysis, initiatives like CODELife play a crucial role in promoting early intervention, fostering public dialogue, and offering hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.
For more information or to register as an organ donor, visit https://www.dermaorgan.gov.my/
