PETALING JAYA, April 5 — Most tend to believe donating organs goes against their religion.

Checks by Malay Mail proved otherwise as various religious bodies revealed there was no restriction for their followers to donate their organs.

Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said organ donation was permissible and there was a fatwa (edict) on the matter.

“Although the fatwa has existed since 1970, there are still misconceptions that religion forbids organ donations,” Othman said.

“It is important to educate the people about this.”

The National Association of Christian Counselors Malaysia (NACC) said there was no restriction on organ donations

in Christianity.

NACC executive director Patrick Cheng said Christians were urged to make use of every opportunity to perform good deeds.

“Donating our organs to those of a different religion is not an issue.”

The Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) said there were no restrictions for Buddhists to receive or donate their organs to people of other religions.

MBA vice-treasurer Venerable Xian Kai said Buddhism teaches compassion.

“Donating organs is an encouragement to do a good deed. However, one must be briefed clearly and willing to donate.

The Malaysia Hindu Sangam said there was no law prohibiting Hindus from donating or receiving organs and tissues.

Its president Datuk R.S. Mohan Shan said the decision to donate or receive organs was left to the individuals.

“Based on the Agamic Dharma, human beings can donate organs regardless of the receiver’s religion or race.

The Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) said Sikhism was one’s duty to serve without discrimination.

SNSM president Pavandeep Singh said Sikhs were encouraged to help save lives or improve the quality of life of others.

“There is no restriction for a Sikh to donate or receive organs.

“We have no qualms about receiving organs from another human without consideration of faith or ethnicity. We are all one,” he said.

All religious councils and associations have conducted organ-donation activities to encourage Malaysians to pledge their

organs.