SANDAKAN: After a nine-year hiatus, Walk-a-Payung 2025 made a meaningful return to Sandakan, bringing together the community in a heart-warming display of unity and compassion.
The event registered 800 participants, with over 400 joining the symbolic walk in solidarity with individuals living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Organised by the Persatuan SLE Malaysia (PSLEM) – Sabah Chapter in collaboration with the Lions Club of Sandakan Selingan, the event transformed SMK Convent St Cecilia into a sea of purple umbrellas and participants clad in purple T-shirts — the symbolic colour of lupus awareness representing courage, hope, and healing.
The event was officiated by YB Vivian Wong Shir Yee, Member of Parliament for Sandakan, who commended the organisers for their dedication to patient welfare and public education.
“This programme is not only about fundraising but also about empathy,” said YB Vivian.
“Walking together under umbrellas reflects both the daily reality of lupus patients who must shield themselves from sunlight and the unity, compassion, and hope that define a caring community.”
In his address, Mr Geoffrey Sinn Chun Hou, President of the PSLEM Sabah Chapter, expressed heartfelt appreciation to sponsors, donors, partners, and volunteers.
“Walk-a-Payung is more than an awareness event — it is a movement of empathy and understanding,” he said. “Every open umbrella today represents love, protection, and hope for the lupus community. We are deeply grateful for Sandakan’s overwhelming support.”
Following the officiation, participants filled the streets in a vibrant parade of purple umbrellas — a colourful testament to resilience and togetherness.
Highlights of the morning included:
• Free Community Health Screening, which saw tremendous public response with volunteer doctors and specialists offering complimentary basic checks and health advice;
• The Umbrella Decoration Contest, an extraordinary creative activity that encouraged teamwork among patients, families, and the public — awarding valuable prizes sponsored by generous donors; and
• A lively Zumba warm-up and lucky draws that added joy and excitement to the event.
First introduced in Sandakan in 2012, the Walk-a-Payung campaign received an overwhelming response in 2016 and has since remained PSLEM Sabah Chapter’s signature lupus awareness and fundraising programme. The 2025 edition once again reaffirmed the power of compassion and community — walking together under one umbrella of love and hope.
