Participants warm up for the walk held in conjunction with World Multiple Sclerosis Day. Pix by Iqmal Haqim Rosman

Padma Panikker says many know little about the rare disease, a situation that the Multiple Sclerosis Society Malaysia hopes to change. Pix by Iqmal Haqim Rosman

IN conjunction with World Multiple Sclerosis Day on May 30, a charity walk was held at Titiwangsa Lake.

Organised by Multiple Sclerosis Society Malaysia and supported by Novartis Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd, the event had the support of 300, who walked around the lake wearing the society's official T-shirt.

The walk was flagged off by model Amber Chia, who was there to show support to the cause and learn more about the disease.

"I heard that the percentage of Malaysians with the disease is low, and some do not even know they have it.

"I am here to learn more about the disease. I hope that more people will be aware of multiple sclerosis after this," she said.

Chia said she did not know much about the disease before she was invited to the event, and was surprised by some of the things she had learnt.

"For example, I thought that only old people get it but some of the patients here have got the disease since they were 13," said Chia.

Multiple Sclerosis Society Malaysia president Padma Panikker said those who were diagnosed with the disease were usually frightened at first and the society acted as a support group for them.

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Multiple sclerosis walk-through