TYPE O blood continues to be the most in-demand blood group in Malaysia due to its universal compatibility, even as national reserves face mounting pressure, health authorities have warned.
Director of the National Blood Centre, Dr Nor Nazahah Mahmud, said Type O blood plays a critical role in the healthcare system as it can be transfused to patients across all major blood groups.
“Type O blood can be used for patients with blood groups A, B, AB and O.
“Type O blood is also frequently used in emergency situations when a patient’s blood group has not yet been identified,” she said.
Despite its versatility, demand for blood at any given time ultimately depends on the needs of patients undergoing transfusions in hospitals, she added.
Dr Nor Nazahah revealed that current supplies of Type O and Type A blood are under strain, prompting an appeal for individuals with these blood types to donate.
“Although there are current constraints in Type O and A blood, all blood groups are important and continuously needed to ensure that every patient receives the correct and safe transfusion according to their respective blood type,” she said.
She emphasised that maintaining a stable and sufficient blood supply requires consistent public participation, as usage patterns can fluctuate significantly depending on medical cases nationwide.
In response to these challenges, the National Blood Centre has strengthened its inventory management and distribution systems through the implementation of an integrated information platform known as the Blood Bank Information System version 2.
“This system is used at blood donation centres in every state, enabling centralised and real-time monitoring of blood stock levels,” she said.
She added that selected information on blood donations and national supply levels is also made available through the MySejahtera application, enhancing transparency and public awareness.
Beyond real-time monitoring, data analytics are being utilised to forecast demand based on historical usage trends, allowing for more targeted and effective blood donation campaigns.
“This approach helps the National Blood Centre plan blood donation campaigns more effectively, while also optimising the use of blood according to the shelf life of each component.
“Through this method, blood supplies can be distributed to hospitals nationwide in a timely manner to ensure that patient needs are consistently met,” she said. - April 29, 2026
