KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — More Malaysians are now curious about organ donations thanks to a recent controversy on whether non-Muslims could pledge their organs to Muslims, according to the National Transplant Resource Centre (NTRC).
NTRC clinical manager Dr Hasdy Haron said that the issue, which was raised by a local entertainer on whether his organs could be donated to a Muslim, has led to many Malaysians inquiring about organ donations and ways to become an organ pledger.
“The awareness has somehow grown as many are becoming more curious about the issue... they want the answer [on how to become an organ pledger],” he told Malay Mail Online.
Controversial entertainer Wee Meng Chee, or Namewee, posted a video on YouTube last week asking if his organ donor card should carry an indication that he was not a Muslim.
In the video apparently mocking the recent enforcement against pig-bristle brushes, Wee said he wanted to avoid situations where he could be posthumously prosecuted in the event his “non-halal” organs are given to Muslims.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah had, however, clarified that there were no such thing, explaining that organs harvested from donors were distributed solely on clinical criteria, such as waiting times and suitability between donors and recipients.
He reportedly said that organ donations were not based on race, religion, background, social standing and other criteria.
Dr Hasdy said he appreciated the response by the ministry and the religious authorities in explaining the misconception of some that it was against their religions, especially Islam, to donate organs.
“We work very well with religious authorities such as Jakim and Masjid Negara in giving clear answer towards the misunderstanding of organ donation in the Islamic perspective,” he said, referring to the Malaysian Islamic Development Department by its Malay acronym and the National Mosque respectively.
Apart from the unexpected awareness received from the controversy, Dr Hasdy said his team works on various campaign and roadshows nationwide to attract more people to pledge their organs.
“We collaborate with a few agencies like universities and hospitals to organise awareness events.
“Our most famous event is the annual National Awareness Organ Donation, which is celebrated in the month of October every year where we meet the public to talk about organ donation,” he said.
In Malaysia, children, prisoners and those who suffer from mental disorders are not allowed to donate organs. Prisoners are only allowed to do so under life-threatening circumstances involving close relatives.
Those who wish to pledge as a donor can do so by submitting an online application here.
