As living costs arise due to inflation, some Malaysians as well as politicians have been urging the current government to allow another round of targeted withdrawals from their Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account in order to tide them through the next few months.
In spite of that, the administration has remained firm on their refusal to grant any new withdrawals from EPF, owing to a decease in the median of savings by contributors, in addition to a widening savings gap between the B40 and M40 income groups with the T20 bracket.
M’sian politician claims locals are selling their kidneys to survive
Following that, Machang Member of Parliament and BERSATU man Wan Fayshal recently issued a statement at Parliament, demanding that the government issue a written explanation over their refusal to issue another round of targeted EPF withdrawals. He has also called for them to provide alternative suggestions on what can be done to help those in need of aid.
To emphasise his point, Fayshal even claims that some Malaysians have resorted to truly desperate measures, such as selling their own organs, to get by.
“Some Malaysians are even forced to sell their kidneys just so they can survive, I demand a proper suggestion on how to help the rakyat“, he said.
Source: YouTube (Parlimen Malaysia)
Statement swiftly debunked to be untrue
His remark quickly spread like wildfire across social media, with many questioning the validity of his claim given its severity. In fact, the claim soon caught the attention of local nephrologist Dr Rafidah Abdullah, who swiftly debunked it as unlikely and also very much illegal for any Malaysian to attempt to do so.
“Organ trafficking (selling organs) is ILLEGAL in Malaysia. For goodness sake, think before you talk.” she said.
According to Malaysian Digest, a person’s kidney could be worth around RM460,000 to RM1.6 million. While it may sound like a lucrative offer to some, the organ trade is outlawed in Malaysia, as indicated in a 2020 statement issued by the Ministry of Health. In it, they point out that the removal of any internal organs for therapeutic purposes is controlled under the Human Tissue Act (1974).
Given the facts, Fayshal’s statement has received heavy backlash from social media users.
“If it’s not true, then is he just talking without facts? If it’s true, how come he’s informed about it?”
Source: Twitter
Source: Twitter
“As a kidney donor years ago, kidneys can only be given to your spouse or your sibling. For some rare cases you can give it to your relatives. You’re not allowed to give it to strangers or even your best friend.”
Source: Twitter
Source: Twitter
With that said, you can still apply to be an organ donor and have your internal organs donated to those in need upon your passing. More information on this can be obtained through the National Transplant Resource Centre (NTRC).
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