This led to Norlela's condition slowly deteriorating until she landed in hospital with tuberculosis in 2005. "I spent two weeks in there and the CD4 count was only about 100," she says, adding that she finally went on treatment. She reveals that her CD4 count is currently about 380, while the viral load is undetectable.

The feisty 45-year-old now works with the Malaysian Positive Network, which provides care and support for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

She is also a MAC treatment, care, and support executive.

Norlela has also gone on to marry again while her kids continue to do well at work and school, and they accept her status.

"Like some of my friends, I got to know about my status earlier on. This is unlike others who only find out after they fall sick and land in hospital," she says.

"If you know your status early, then you can start taking care of yourself. You can even go without medication for about eight to 10 years. You should go for the test because once you know, then you can start focusing on what to do with your life."

Looking back, Norlela wishes she had more support and counselling after going for the HIV test despite being referred to an infectious disease specialist and counsellor.

"Back then, there wasn't much of counselling and things like that. I remember seeing the counsellor who asked me to draw how I felt. So, I drew a picture of myself crying. And that was it," she says.

"And although there was a referral, it was really up to you whether you wanted to go for it. I really didn't know much about the disease until I fell sick and was admitted."

What is done after a positive test, Norlela insists, is important because it helps a person not fall into depression or be in denial. She recalls some PLHIV who just withered away because there was no one there for them.

"It is important for someone to be there for them because if there is no one, then they have no support. I was lucky. I had friends. And just maybe, Allah decided to give me another chance at life."