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PETALING JAYA: Twice a month, retiree Chin Jeck Leng travels from her home here to the National Blood Centre on Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur to donate blood. It takes time, effort and commitment – but Chin finds joy in knowing she is helping others.
“I have compassion for people who really need blood. That’s why I want to do my part,” the 65-year-old told FMT Lifestyle.
In fact, right before the interview, she had just completed her 581th donation – an achievement that began with her first donation when she was 18.
Her remarkable dedication was recognised on June 14, World Blood Donor Day, when she received the Medal for Life award from the health ministry, making her the first woman in the country to receive the honour. At the time, she had completed 580 donations.
“I feel good that my commitment has been recognised. I’m grateful to the ministry,” said Chin, who revealed that she is the top female blood donor in the country.
So, what inspired this lifelong commitment? It traces back to an observation Chin had had when she was 12 years old.
“My mother had to go for an operation, and the hospital told her she had to find a donor to replace the blood she’d used,” Chin said. Apparently, that this was a practice in Malaysia back then.
Her mother then approached a neighbour to ask if they would be willing to donate blood. This neighbour agreed – but only if they received something in return.
Chin receiving the Medal for Life award from health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad on World Blood Donor Day last month. (Chin Jeck Leng pic)
“I thought, blood is something we can give freely – so why are we, in a way, ‘selling’ it?” Chin mused. “So, I told myself that once I turned 18 and became eligible to donate, I would give blood to help others without expecting anything in return.”
Chin, who grew up in Kuantan, Pahang, recalled that back in the day, very few Chinese people would donate blood “because of a belief that it would weaken the body”.
But Chin didn’t believe it. So, when she turned 18, she made her first donation – and hasn’t stopped since. Her own mother only found out about it decades later, after reading about Chin in a newspaper!
Although she began with whole blood donations, Chin later switched to apheresis donations in 1995. The latter involves using a machine to collect specific components, such as platelets, plasma, or both. The red blood cells are returned to the donor during the same session.
Chin, who is O positive, explained that apheresis donations allow her to donate more frequently. Whole blood donations are typically limited to once every three months, but apheresis can be done every two weeks.
Before she retired, the former head of human resources used to dedicate time to donate on Saturdays. She has even organised several blood donation drives over the years.
Chin is still all-smiles after donating blood 581 times. (Chin Jeck Leng pic)
In addition, donating blood motivates her to maintain a healthy lifestyle. “It’s a responsibility to ensure I give good-quality blood to patients who are already sick,” Chin said.
She stays active by playing badminton and pickleball twice a week, while following a healthy and balanced diet.
Chin quipped that she has “grown old” alongside some of the staff at the National Blood Centre – a light-hearted remark that reflects her long-standing commitment.
Indeed, through her quiet dedication, she has touched countless lives. “When someone needs help, it’s easy to say, ‘I can give some money.’ Not many are willing to give their blood to help others.
“But we need one another. We must recognise that. You never know when you might need blood yourself,” she said.
“So, if you can donate blood, you should.”
Thinking of being a donor? Head over to the National Blood Centre’s website.
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