THE Health Ministry (MOH) views claims of organ buying and selling activities in this country seriously, health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said, amid allegations of people selling their organs to make ends meet.

Noor Hisham said such claims must be investigated, adding that such activity is a form of exploitation of vulnerable groups and a violation of medical ethics.

“Any claim regarding the existence of activities related to the sale of organs should be taken seriously by all parties.

“Should there be such activities, it needs to be investigated under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007,” Noor Hisham said in a statement today.  

In light of this, he said the ministry has set up an organ transplant committee.

He said it will tighten governance of transplantation services and regulate the organ donation programme among living donors. 

“This committee will carefully assess various aspects including backgrounds of medical problems, mental health, and also the socio-economic position of transplant surgery applicants.

“This will ensure the potential organ donor has a good support system, and that the operation does not affect.

The director-general said Malaysia is also a signatory of The Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism (2008), which emphasises that the commercialisation of organ transplantation should be prohibited. 

“This declaration states that organs for transplantation should be distributed equitably to appropriate recipients regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or social or financial status,” he said.  

Consistent with national and international obligations, the MOH does not support any individual or organisation involved in illegal and unethical organ procurement activities, Noor Hisham added. 

Noor Hisham said the ministry will fully cooperate with investigating authorities if necessary.

He also urged individuals or groups with information regarding this illegal activity to come forward either to the ministry to the police, for them to advance with the next move. 

Last Monday, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal claimed there were people selling their kidneys to make ends meet. 

Highlighting the plight of the people’s financial woes, the Machang MP said another round of Employees’ Provident Fund withdrawal was needed. 

“If targeted (EPF) withdrawals are not approved, what is the government’s suggestion to help the people who are struggling, to the point that some had to sell their kidneys, or walk from Johor to Istana Negara?” he reportedly asked. – April 7, 2023.