MIRI: Journalists play a crucial part in initiating change such as the common misconception on donating blood amongst the society, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin.
“Some people still think donating blood is taboo especially among the older generation of the Chinese. But, gradually this kind of thinking has changed, thanks to the continuous campaigns done over the years by various NGOs including journalists’ associations,” he said.
“Journalists have been credited as agents of change and their roles are not only restricted to reporting and writing stories,” he added when speaking at the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) blood donation drive cum health screening for its members held at Bintang Megamall here yesterday.
Lee applauded the association for ensuring Miri Hospital blood bank had sufficient supply of blood.
“Donating blood will not affect your health and it is essential that we must have sufficient blood to help those in need,” Lee added.
Also present at the event were Miri Hospital director Dr Jack Wong, NSJA’s president Andy Jong, Cr Karambir Singh, Miri Fire and Rescue department zone 6 chief Supt Law Poh Kiong and organising chairman Lee Cheng Choi.
A total of 92 potential donors registered for the event, but only 70 were eligible to donate their blood.
On another matter, Lee commended NSJA for increasing its yearly health screening incentive for its members from RM100 to RM200.
“It shows that the association cares for its members health,” he pointed out.
At the event, Lee presented a cheque for RM10,000 to NSJA for the association’s yearly health screening programme.
