THE Royal Thai Consulate General in Penang did its bit for the community when it held a blood donation drive jointly with several partners at its premises in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman today.
Thai consul general in Penang, Raschada Jiwalai, said this was the second time they were involved with the blood donation campaign after organising the first in 2019.
“We want to strengthen the people-to-people relationship, and anything we can do for the benefit of the Penang society, we are willing to do it,” Jiwalai said at a press conference.
He also thanked state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin for his presence as the guest of honour as well as for representing the chief minister at the event.
“YB Yeoh has been a good friend of Thailand. He has a lot of activities dealing with Thailand in promoting Thailand and Penang,” Jiwalai added.
The Thai consulate jointly organised the blood donation campaign with Penang Forward Sports Club (PFSC), St John Ambulance Malaysia (Penang northeast district) and Penang Hospital.
Yeoh, who just returned from meeting Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, in a reciprocal visit, praised the organisers and blood donors for coming together for a good cause.
He also noted that Thailand just celebrated its King’s birthday two days ago on July 28, and the significant event has inspired a number of community projects, including the blood donation drive.
“The blood donation campaign shows that we love and care for one another, and allow the community to uplift one another and those in need. This is very much in line with the LovePENANG campaign and the Penang2030 vision.
“Malaysia is the No. One tourist destination for the Thai people. We hope that we will have more collaborations and partnerships to promote Thailand and Penang.
“The consulate here has been promoting Thai culture and its food. In return, we hope to have a Penang Culture Week in Thailand,” Yeoh said in his speech.
Penang Forward Sports Club chairman Lim Choo Hooi said more than 50 blood donors had registered themselves by 11am today, a number of them coming from his club.
“Our sports club is honoured to be invited again by the Royal Thai Consulate General to take part in the blood donation campaign.
“Our sports club members are supporting the blood donation campaign to give back to society.
“We are not only involved with sports activities but from time to time, we have organised charitable deeds and social activities as well,” Lim said.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang Forward Sports Club adviser Lau Keng Ee, St John Ambulance of Malaysia (North East Area of Penang) president Datuk Khoo Hun Poh, its superintendent operation Kelvin Yeoh, council member Dr T.C. Lee; Penang Forward Sports Club adviser Lau Eng Kee and TG Ocean Health Food Industries managing director Ong Thor Guan.
Later, Jiwalai, Teh, Lim and Ong also donated blood themselves.
One of the blood donors, Tony Goh, 40, said he was glad to be able to take part in the event.
“This is the 42nd time I am donating blood. By donating blood, you are not only helping other people but also your own self,” said Goh, a technician with Bruker (M) Snd Bhd. He is also a member of the Penang Forward Sports Club.
In all, St John Ambulance Malaysia (North East Area, Penang) communications officer and public relations officer Lavaniah Kumaraysun said a total of 84 pints of blood were collected from 95 participants within five hours.
Besides the blood donation event, St John Ambulance personnel also conducted basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstrations while Penang Hospital staff members also carried out an organ donation drive.
Loh Kah Hock set to sign up for organ donation at a desk manned by Penang Hospital nursing sister Normiza Azmi (centre) and Norhidayah Noordin (left).
Story and pix by K.H. Ong