Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), YB Hannah Yeoh, has called on Malaysians to honour the wishes of loved ones who have pledged to become organ donors, saying that respecting their final decision could give countless patients a second chance at life.
Speaking during the Wira Transplant Walk held in Kuala Lumpur, which celebrated the resilience of Malaysia's transplant community, Hannah said one of the biggest challenges facing organ transplantation in the country remains the high number of families who decline organ donation despite their loved one having registered as a donor.
"When someone pledges their organs, they are making one final decision to help another person live. I hope we can honour that decision," she said.
Malaysia continues to face a critical shortage of donor organs, leaving thousands of patients waiting for life-saving transplants. While more Malaysians are registering as organ donors, family consent remains essential before organs can be donated, making conversations about organ donation within families more important than ever.
Drawing from her own experience championing constitutional amendments that now allow Malaysian mothers to confer citizenship on children born overseas, Hannah said meaningful change often begins with conversations that may seem difficult but are ultimately necessary.
"That experience reminded me that change begins with conversations that are often difficult but necessary. If we can change laws that were once thought impossible to amend, I believe we can also change the way we think about organ donation. Every conversation matters because every pledge has the potential to save a life," she said.
The Minister also emphasised that good health extends beyond hospitals and medical treatment. She encouraged Malaysians to embrace healthier lifestyles through regular physical activity, noting that protecting parks and public spaces goes hand in hand with building healthier communities, particularly as obesity rates continue to rise.
Joining Hannah at the event was Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud, who together with the Minister met transplant recipients, patients undergoing dialysis, healthcare professionals and their families.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to transplant recipients, dialysis patients, doctors, nurses and supporters who successfully summited Mount Kinabalu during an expedition held from 5 to 8 May. The climb demonstrated that with determination, proper medical care and community support, people living with chronic kidney disease or organ transplants can continue to pursue extraordinary achievements.
The ceremony celebrated not only a physical accomplishment but also the resilience, hope and perseverance of Malaysia's transplant community.
"Seeing our transplant recipients and even patients on dialysis reaching the peak of Mount Kinabalu is a testament to the human spirit," said Manvir Victor, President of Wira Transplant Walk.
"Having YB Hannah Yeoh here to recognise their grit and determination highlights the importance of organised outdoor activity, patient empowerment and health advocacy."
Hannah also welcomed Kuala Lumpur City Hall's commitment to provide complimentary booth space during the KL Car Free Morning programme, enabling Wira Transplant Walk to reach thousands of residents and visitors with organ donation awareness activities.
She thanked healthcare professionals, transplant teams and organ donors for their dedication and compassion, describing organ donation as one of the greatest legacies a person can leave behind.
The Wira Transplant Walk organises its monthly Berjalan Santai community walks in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Seremban, Kuala Terengganu and Shah Alam. The initiative promotes active living while raising awareness of organ donation and providing a supportive community for transplant recipients, patients on dialysis and their families. For the transplant community, the message from the day's celebration was clear. Every organ donor pledge has the power to save lives, every family conversation matters, and every step taken together brings Malaysia closer to building a stronger culture of organ donation.
