Society must also be mindful of those who are sick
KOTA KINABALU: There is a need to develop human capital that is not only skilled, adaptable and innovative, but also responsible, caring and mindful of human conditions.
University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari said this is because the foundation of a truly united Malaysian society must be based on caring and responsible members who are genuinely concerned about the plight of the disadvantaged members of the society.
He said our society must be genuinely concerned not just with those who are economically deprived, but must also be mindful of those who are sick, especially after having just emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic, stressing the need for a society with a soul.
“Therefore, in our endeavour to develop our state and the nation, and to get out of the middle income trap and transform our economy, we need not just skilled, adaptable and innovative human capital, but more importantly, a caring and responsible human capital.
“As the chairman of UCSF, I’m fully aware of the need to develop skilled, adaptable and innovative human capital. But perhaps more importantly, we need human capital with a soul. Human capital devoid of a soul would likely be inconsiderate, not just to his community, but very likely also to the environment.
“A truly united society therefore need to be premised on having not only skilled, adaptable and innovative human capital, but more importantly perhaps is healthy human capital with a soul – responsible, caring and mindful of human conditions overall,” he said.
Yaakub said this when officiating the annual three-day nationwide Pre-Ramadan Blood Donation Campaign (ABDC24) organised by MRSM Malaysia Student Association (ANSARA) at Imago Shopping Mall here on Friday.
ABDC24 will run from March 1, 10am to 5pm, targeting to collect 300 to 350 pints this year which will be distributed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital 2, Sabah Women and Children Hospital Likas and Kudat General Hospital.
It is organised by ANSARA with support from the National Health Department, Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu South, Sai Baba Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Relief Agency Sabah Branch, KOKI (MRSM) Kota Kinabalu, PEKESAN and PEMIKIR.
Yaakub said the blood donation campaign is very much a step in the right direction to help foster human capital with a soul, and it is a distressing situation to see a hospital full of patients and an empty refrigerator without any blood products.
He said a person needs lifesaving blood every day in our country and its availability can be the difference between life and death, and however, blood is only available thanks to the generosity of those who roll up a sleeve or show their arm to donate.
“I was informed that a single blood donation can save up to three lives, and that others through blood donations enhance a sense of responsibility, caring and connections with those in need. Regular blood donations also have the added advantage that may help lower iron stores, helping maintain healthier iron levels which can reduce the risk of heart attacks. In addition, donating blood can burn up to 650 calories per donation, thereby helping in the fight against obesity,” he said.
Meanwhile, ABDC24 organising chairman Kadir Abdullah @ Haji Damsal said in Sabah, the need for blood is very high compared to other states because it records the highest number of thalassemia cases in Malaysia.
He said many thalassemia patients require blood transfusions once every few weeks or monthly to continue their survival, and in addition, patients who have health problems such as blood abnormalities, blood cancer, premature birth, pregnant mothers, and others also require blood transfusions.
Hence, he said as a caring society, everyone plays an equally important role to ensure that the blood supply is not cut off from those in need.
“Normally, blood banks across the country show a trend of lack of blood supply during the school holiday season, festivals and fasting months.
“As such, blood donation campaigns are highly welcome. For the blood donors, you are the unsung heroes with big hearts.
“I call on all blood donors to continue to donate consistently, continuously and voluntarily to save the lives of patients who are dependent on blood transfusions,” he said.