Former journalist first organ donor in Sabah this year

A former journalist, Kriscy Limjoon, became the first organ donor in Sabah this year at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said Sabah State Health Department (JKNS) director Dr Asits Sanna.

He said the late Kriscy, aged 43, was confirmed to have died in January due to medical problems and her family had informed them of her intention of becoming an organ donor to help other patients in need.

"The results of an evaluation found that only the eye (cornea) was still suitable for donation and the family agreed to proceed with the noble wish," he said in Kota Kinabalu today.

He said a pair of donated corneas had also been successfully transplanted and helped restore the vision of two other patients.

According to Asits in a statement, the late Kriscy hailed from the village of Domis Hungab, Penampang, was married and had two children.

The deceased worked as a local newspaper reporter and was an English teacher at one of the private schools in Sabah.

According to Asits further, the family described the deceased as a person with a pure heart, cheerful but strictly duty-bound, liked to help people and always supported local traders.

"Despite not having the opportunity to register as an organ donor pledge, the deceased had discussed with the family about her desire to donate the organs," he said.

He said JKNS expressed its condolences and recorded its deepest appreciation to the family for the donation.

"JKNS also encourages the public to discuss the topic of organ donation with the family so that it is easy for them to make a decision after their passing," he added.

- Bernama