More aid for liver foundation

IT was a good start to the year for Malaysian Liver Foundation (MLF), which received RM75,000 from professional accounting firm Ernst & Young at the foundation office here recently.

MLF president Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican told Streets that the money will be used to organise campaigns, public forums, liver screenings, training of healthcare providers and research on liver diseases.

“We require a lot of money to execute those activities,” said Mohd Ismail, adding that the foundation’s main objective is to create awareness on the disease.”

According to a 2004 MLF survey data, 3 to 5 per cent of the country’s population carried the virus which causes liver inflammation (hepatitis). This situation was more prevalent in Sabah and Sarawak.

“However, the percentage is still relevant until present,” said Dr Mohd Ismail.

He expects more liver-disease cases associated with sedentary lifestyle.

“Sixty per cent of Malaysians are susceptible to non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD).

NAFLD and hepatitis will eventually cause failure in the liver functions in metabolism, blood system and hormone production.

Ernst & Young Advisory Services partner Philip Rao said that they chose MLF as a beneficiary as part of its good governance programme in contributing to society.