One conversation and a few taps on your phone can help someone get a second chance at life. Organ donation in Malaysia is open to anyone willing to pledge, the process is free, and the most important step is one you can take at the dinner table tonight. Here is a simple guide to getting started.
Why your pledge matters for organ donation in Malaysia
As of March 2026, 424,333 people in Malaysia had pledged to become organ donors, Bernama reported, while more than 10,700 patients were waiting for a transplant in 2025, most of them for a kidney, according to CodeBlue. There is encouraging progress too. The country’s deceased donation rate rose from 0.7 donors per million people in 2022 to 1.3 in 2024, and Malaysia has carried out 3,492 transplant operations since 1975.
Pledging is also becoming more common in some communities. The Health Ministry’s organ donation dashboard shows Kuala Lumpur leading the states, with 2.32% of residents pledged as of 29 September 2026, followed by Putrajaya at 2.11% and Penang at 1.94%. Every state has room to grow.
6 simple steps to pledge your support
1. Learn what a pledge means
A pledge is a statement of your wish to donate organs or tissues after death. It does not involve any medical test or payment, and donation is only considered under strict medical conditions in hospital. Reading up first, and asking your doctor any questions you have, helps you make the decision with confidence and explain it clearly to the people closest to you.
2. Pledge on MySejahtera
The quickest route is the MySejahtera app, which has offered a digital organ donor pledge since 6 September 2022. Open the app, look for the organ donation option in your health records and follow the prompts to confirm your pledge. You can also find information and other ways to register through the national Derma Organ programme or at government hospitals and clinics.
3. Tell your family
This is the step that makes the biggest difference. Families are always consulted, and officials have noted that many pledges cannot be honoured because relatives did not know the person’s wishes. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad has also stressed that family discussion and consent are key to honouring a donor’s decision. A calm, open talk now spares your loved ones a hard choice later.
4. Keep your details up to date
Make sure your contact details and next-of-kin information are current in the app. If your wishes or circumstances change, check the app or the Derma Organ programme for how to update your pledge, so your record always reflects what you want.
5. Share your decision with your circle
Let close friends know too, or mention it during a family gathering. When people hear that someone they trust has pledged, they are more likely to ask questions and consider it themselves.
6. Support community awareness
Hospitals, NGOs and community groups regularly hold awareness drives and talks, sometimes alongside free health screening programmes. Helping at one, or sharing official information on social media, is a simple way to grow the culture of giving across Malaysia.
Common questions, answered
- Does it cost anything? No. Pledging is free.
- Do I need a health check first? No screening is needed to pledge.
- Will it affect my medical care? No. Doctors focus fully on treating every patient, and donation is only considered after brain death has been confirmed.
- What about my faith? Many religious bodies support organ donation as an act of kindness. If you are unsure, speak with your religious leader.
A gift rooted in community
Organ donation in Malaysia reflects something Malaysians already value: looking out for one another. Each pledge, and each family conversation, helps build a system where more patients can receive the care they are waiting for.
To learn more, visit the Ministry of Health’s organ donation dashboard or the Derma Organ official website.
