25/10/2025

SATURDAY | OCT 25, 2025

COMMUNITY 7

‘Walk-a-Payung’ draws hundreds for good cause

Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Purple umbrellas signify solidarity with lupus patients who need to shield their sensitive bodies from sunlight.

KOTA KINABALU: In a heart-warming display of community spirit, the Walk-a-Payung event made a triumphant return to Sandakan on Oct 19 after a nine-year hiatus, rallying the public around the cause of lupus awareness. The poignant occasion saw 800 people registering, with over 400 taking part in a symbolic walk through the streets, to stand 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, it transformed the grounds of SMK Convent St Cecilia, the gathering point, into a vibrant sea of purple. The colour symbolises lupus awareness, representing courage, hope and healing. Participants clad in purple T-shirts and holding matching umbrellas created a powerful visual statement of solidarity. The event was officiated by Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee, who commended the organisers for their dedication towards patient welfare and public education. “This programme is not only about fundraising but also about fostering empathy. Walking together under umbrellas poignantly reflects both the daily reality of lupus patients, who must shield themselves from sunlight, and the unity, compassion and hope that define our caring community,” Wong said. PSLEM Sabah Chapter president Geoffrey Sinn Chun Hou expressed gratitude to the sponsors, donors, partners and volunteers whose support made the event possible. “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.

the public who participated as prizes sponsored by generous donors were presented. A lively Zumba warm-up and exciting lucky draws infused the event with energy and joy. First introduced in Sandakan in 2012, the Walk-a-Payung campaign garnered overwhelming response in its 2016 edition and has since remained PSLEM Sabah Chapter’s signature awareness and fundraising programme. Its successful return this year reaffirmed the profound power of compassion and community, walking together under one umbrella of love and hope.

We are deeply moved by Sandakan’s overwhelming support.” Following the flag-off, the streets came alive with a vibrant parade of purple umbrellas, a colourful testament to the community’s resilience and togetherness. The morning was filled with engaging activities, including a free community health screening which saw tremendous public response as volunteer doctors and specialists offered complimentary basic checks and health counselling. An umbrella decoration contest fostered teamwork among patients, their families and

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), in collaboration with the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), has launched a landmark publication that establishes a new global benchmark for the management and restoration of mangrove forests. Titled “Mangroves of Sabah: A Legacy of Resilience and Restoration”, the comprehensive volume was unveiled here on Oct 22 at the International Conference of Borneo’s Green Heart. The event, which set the stage for discussing climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods, was officiated by Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datuk Norlijah Danin. The book encapsulates the success of the SFD-ISME collaborative project, translating years of pioneering research and on-ground expertise into a practical framework for safeguarding one of Southeast Asia’s most vital ecosystems. Sabah’s mangroves are recognised not only for their remarkable biodiversity but also for their critical role as a natural climate solution, sequestering carbon at impressive rates and providing protection for coastal communities. “In an era of escalating climate challenges, this book transitions from a scholarly work to an essential tool for action,“ said Sabah Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan. “It provides a clear, evidence-based pathway for replicating Sabah’s success in mangrove restoration globally.” He expressed appreciation to ISME and corporate partner Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd. for their support in bringing the critical project to fruition. The publication is positioned to serve as an indispensable resource for environmental agencies, researchers and NGOs worldwide, offering scalable strategies to counter the pervasive threats of habitat loss and climate change. It also marks a significant contribution to global environmental discourse, showcasing Sabah’s leadership in tropical conservation. ISME is a global non-profit organisation committed to advancing the conservation, sustainable management and scientific understanding of mangrove ecosystems through international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Mangrove conservation guide to counter habitat loss Kugan (2nd left) presents a copy of the new publication to Norlijah during the launch. Ű BY JOSHUA CHANG newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Sinn (centre) and Wong (2nd right) leading the walk with members of the organising committee.

Ipoh Barat school students get Deepavali aid from foundation

Ű BY P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

The financial aid to the Form Four, Five and Six students was for schools located in the Ipoh Barat constituency, which covers the areas of Buntong, Kepayang and Bercham. The temple also received a boost as the minister announced an allocation of RM100,000 to upgrade its hall. Meanwhile, Buntong state assemblywoman Thulsi Manogaran said: “It took a month for my team to identify eligible students from the B40 group as well as those who are hardcore poor.” Some 1,500 people, including students and parents, attended the event, she added.

motivational talks, and purchasing educational aids. The pupils included those sitting for the SPM examinations soon. A mock cheque for the amount was presented by Berjaya Group Berhad Executive Director Shashitharan Nair to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming who officiated the event at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Hall in Jalan Sungai Pari, Buntong here on Oct 4. Nga thanked the foundation for making the meaningful contribution to the students from B40 low-income families.

IPOH: Berjaya Cares Foundation brought cheers to 625 Indian students from 23 secondary schools with a total cash contribution of RM250,000 under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative . The presentation was made during a Sumbangan Kasih Madani ceremony in conjunction with the recent Deepavali festival. Each student received RM400 to help them in their studies by attending tuition classes and

Shashitharan (4th left), Nga (5th left) and Thulsi (6th left) posing with some of the recipients. – P. CHANDRA SAGARAN/THESUN