The National Blood Centre (NBC) and blood banks throughout the country are still facing shortage of blood donors ahead of the coming Thaipusam and Chinese New Year celebrations.

NBC, in a statement on Tuesday, said proactive action had been taken to increase the number of blood donors.

It said the number of donors coming forward to donate blood was still low at the beginning of the year.

Members of the public are encouraged to donate blood at NBC here, blood banks or at the nearest locations of blood donation campaign mobile units.

The NBC is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8am-4 pm.

For further enquiries, those interested to donate blood can contact NBC at telephone number 03-26955557 or 03-26955558 or surf its website at www.pdn.gov.my.