More organ donations between January and August this year

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

Malaysia recorded 102 organ donors in the first eight months of 2026, exceeding last year's total of 89 and indicating a slight improvement in donation rates. However, with over 12,500 patients still awaiting transplants and donation rates falling behind those of countries like Spain and the UAE, the Health Ministry plans to establish a National Transplant Council to boost coordination and increase organ donations nationwide.

KUALA TERENGGANU — Organ donations in Malaysia increased during the first eight months of 2026, with 102 individuals donating their organs between January and August, according to Datuk Dr Azman Yacob, deputy director-general of health (medical) at the Health Ministry. This figure surpasses the 89 deceased donors recorded in the previous year, representing approximately 1.3 donors per million population.

Despite this progress, Dr Azman noted that public awareness and actual donation rates remain insufficient. As of July, there were 12,575 patients on the national organ waiting list, highlighting the ongoing demand for transplants. He pointed out that Malaysia’s organ donation rates lag behind those of countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Spain, where acceptance rates reach between 20% and 30% per million population.

Dr Azman made these remarks during the launch of National Organ Donation Awareness Week (MKPO) 2026, held in Kuala Terengganu. The campaign’s theme, “Warisku, Hormati Ikarrku” (My Heirs, Honour My Pledge), emphasizes the importance of respecting the wishes of individuals who choose to donate their organs after death. The message underscores the role of family support in fulfilling these humanitarian pledges.

Although about 450,000 Malaysians are registered as organ donors, actual donations remain relatively low, as families have the final decision when an individual becomes brain dead or passes away. Dr Azman stressed the importance of raising awareness among family members to ensure that donors’ wishes are honoured at critical moments.

To enhance the organ donation system, the Health Ministry plans to implement various initiatives, including the formation of a National Transplant Council. This council will aim to better coordinate organ donation and transplantation efforts throughout the country, with the goal of increasing donation rates and reducing the waiting list for patients.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.