MIRI: More than 80 individuals successfully donated blood at the inaugural Miri City Blood Donor Day held today at the Gymkhana Club Miri (GCM), marking a significant step forward in fostering a culture of community health and altruism in the city.
A total of 99 people registered for the campaign, with 83 completing their donations.
Among them were seven first-time donors, symbolising a promising future for Miri’s voluntary blood donation movement.
Although 16 individuals were deferred for various health-related reasons, the overwhelming turnout was hailed as a resounding success by organisers and participants alike.
Also offered on the day were free hearing tests, with 15 individuals taking advantage of the service.
Speaking at the event, Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang praised the generosity of the city’s residents and called on the community to continue supporting blood donation drives.
“If you are able and eligible, please continue donating. Encourage your family, friends and colleagues to do the same,” he urged.
“Let us continue this proud tradition and ensure that Miri remains a city that not only cares,but saves lives. Because when we give blood, we give hope. And together, we save lives.”
Yii also proposed that Miri City Blood Donor Day be made an annual event to honour and recognise the contributions of local blood donors, whom he described as “everyday heroes”.
The event was jointly organised by a coalition of community-based organisations, including the Miri Piasau Community Welfare Association, Persatuan Wanita Petroleum Miri, Miri Indian Association, Inner Wheel Club of Miri, Rotary Club of Miri Oiltown, Moving Communities, and the Miri Punjabi Association.
Organising Chairman, Karambir Singh, highlighted Miri’s long-standing commitment to voluntary blood donation.
“For 36 years, Miri has proudly upheld the tradition of non-remunerated voluntary blood donation,” he said.
“This is no small feat. It is a reflection of our community’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.
“We are here today not just to collect blood, but to celebrate the spirit of giving that defines Miri City.”
Among the donors, a mix of regular contributors and newcomers shared their motivations for participating.
One first-time donor said they were inspired by friends who donate regularly and wanted to “make a difference in someone else’s life”.
With the success of this year’s campaign, organisers are hopeful that more residents will step forward in future events, reinforcing Miri’s status as a city rooted in compassion, unity and collective action.
