Abstract
The blood transfusion service in Malaysia began in the 1950s and has since evolved into the national transfusion medicine service (NBTS) today, which is based on voluntary non‐remunerated donations as outlined in the national blood transfusion policy. Malaysia, a country of over 31 million people, is made up of a multi‐ethnic, multireligious and multicultural population. The diverse donation landscape presents unique challenges to the blood supply. These challenges become more pronounced during festive holidays, which are observed and celebrated differently across the diverse population. The NBTS relies on the goodwill and the generosity of the community to maintain the blood supply. A sustainable, nationally co‐ordinated blood donation programme, coupled with an effective and efficient national blood inventory management, ensures that the blood supply is adequate, equitable and capable of meeting the transfusion needs of the country. Concerted effort must be implemented to continuously promote the recruitment and retention of donors and blood mobile organizers while actively engaging the diverse communities. These activities, in the context of a pluralistic and diverse population, can be further enhanced from a better understanding of the donor psychology and behaviour and of the transfusion needs. Fostering close and meaningful relationships with blood donors through blood mobile organizers, as well as the continuous education and promotion of blood donation, serve as the framework for the strategies to overcome the blood supply challenges.
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