UiTM lecturer’s final gift saves five lives, highlights need for more organ donors

SHAH ALAM – The selfless organ donation of a former Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) lecturer is drawing attention to the importance of organ donation in Malaysia, as the country continues efforts to encourage more people to pledge their organs and tissues.

The late Puan Hajjah Normah gave a final gift of life after her organs and tissues were donated following her death on June 20.

Hospital Sungai Buloh staff lined the corridors to pay their final respects to her during an honour guard ceremony, recognising her decision to become an organ donor and her family's willingness to honour her final wish.

According to the hospital, the donation process was carried out on June 21 after she was declared brain dead, with the organs and tissues expected to save and improve the lives of at least five patients awaiting transplants.

In a Facebook post, the hospital described the donation as a continuation of her lifelong commitment to serving others.

“Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to educating the nation’s children, and with her final breath, she continued to leave behind a legacy of service,” the hospital said.

The hospital also expressed appreciation to her family for supporting her decision and acknowledged the efforts of medical teams from Hospital Sungai Buloh and the University of Malaya, which collaborated in the organ procurement process.

The case comes as Malaysia continues to promote organ donation amid a persistent shortage of donors.

According to the National Transplant Centre (NTC), 15,795 new organ donor pledges have been recorded nationwide as of 2026, bringing the total number of registered organ donors in Malaysia to 432,183.

Individuals who wish to become organ donors can register through several channels, including the MySejahtera application, the NTC website, government hospitals and selected health facilities.

Health authorities have repeatedly stressed that organ donation can save multiple lives, particularly for patients suffering from end-stage organ failure who are waiting for suitable donors.

Despite growing awareness, misconceptions and religious concerns remain among some members of the public.

Religious authorities in Malaysia, including Islamic bodies, have generally ruled that organ donation is permissible and encouraged when it is intended to save lives and does not involve commercial gain.

Similar support has also been expressed by leaders from other major faiths, who view organ donation as an act of compassion and charity.