Malaysia has 10,036 patients with organ failure as Health Ministry pushes transplant reforms

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the need was increasingly urgent as the deceased-donor rate was 1.33 per million population.  — Picture by Firdaus Latif

First Published: Tuesday, 03 Nov 2026 8:36 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — Some 10,036 patients in Malaysia are living with organ failure as of Oct 15, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms to the country’s organ donation and transplant system to improve access to life-saving treatment.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the need was increasingly urgent as the deceased-donor rate was 1.33 per million population. 

He said the establishment of the National Transplant Council (MTK) was a strategic step towards strengthening governance and driving the national organ donation agenda through a whole-of-government approach, replacing the fragmented efforts of individual agencies.

“Through MTK, we are bringing together ministries and agencies to improve coordination. This includes emergency air transport through Mercy Flight, involving the Fire and Rescue Department and the Defence Ministry, as well as police Outrider escorts to minimise delays.

“We are also studying a proposal to include organ donor registration status on driving licences in collaboration with the Transport Ministry. This would be supported by sustainable funding from the Finance Ministry and clear religious guidance from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM),” he said in a Facebook post.

Dzulkefly said he had chaired the first MTK meeting yesterday afternoon.

He said the reforms would bring three main benefits, including ensuring that organs were allocated more transparently and fairly based on medical priorities.

They would also give the public greater confidence in organ donation, with all procedures governed by the Human Tissues Act 1974 and relevant religious rulings.

“The integrated logistics network will also ensure that donated organs reach operating theatres as quickly as possible,” he said.

Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry would continue to strengthen public awareness campaigns through the “Warisku, Hormati Ikrarku” initiative to ensure donors’ wishes were respected, including by their family members.

He said respecting donors’ pledges and supporting patients awaiting transplants were a shared responsibility. — Bernama