Organ transplantation in Malaysia: a social-legal study

Kidney and corneal transplants have been undertaken since the seventies although other forms of organ transplantation were lesser known. To date more than 1000 kidney transplants, the majority from living related donors have been performed. Nevertheless heart, lung and liver transplant only had an impact in the nineties. The main reason being, the lack of cadaveric donors, which has hampered the development of organ transplantation in Malaysia. It is instructive to note that the Malaysian society has been rather conservative when it comes to organ transplantation. This is compounded by the Asean culture and value system, which are directly derived from our historical background and religious convictions. However attempts had been made by various organisations such as The Malaysian Society of Transplantation, which was set up in 1994 to create greater awareness on organ donation & transplantation amongst both the healthcare professionals and the public.