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Pint of rarest blood type flown aboard Pos Malaysia cargo flight from Sarawak to KL

KUALA LUMPUR: Onboard a Pos Malaysia cargo flight yesterday was a precious pint of the rarest blood type, Rh17, which was flown over 2,000km from Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur before making its way to Johor Baru.

It was a blood supply donated by one Pehan Majis on Monday, meant for a pregnant mother of the same blood group who was about to undergo a Caesarean section (C-section) procedure at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA).

From Sarawak, the pint of blood transited at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport before being delivered today.

In a Facebook post, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) Blood Bank said Rh17 is among the uncommon blood types.

"Rh17 is a blood type we can hardly find among Malaysians but in Sarawak, it can be found among a small number of Bidayuh ethnic group.

"Those who have this rare blood type can only accept transfusion from others who are in the same group as theirs.

"Should they receive blood from donors of a different group, it may result in an acute blood reaction that can endanger the patient's life," said the post.

Pehan earned praises from Facebook users for his selfless and noble act.

Asiah Astah wrote: "Congratulations. Your kindness cannot be replaced with money."

Mohd Zulbahari said: "Congratulations Sir. You have just saved a mother's life".

In a post earlier today, Jadual Kempen Derma Darah Johor Baru said the pint of Rh17 blood had safely arrived at HSA this morning.

"It will be provided to a pregnant patient who will undergo the C-sect. We hope the operation will go smoothly.

"Blood without borders. Thank you to SGH Blood Bank and also to Poslaju for handling this delivery," it said on a Facebook post.

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