The atmosphere at Laman Astaka, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, was full of unity and purpose as Walk-A-Payung 2025 unfolded on the morning of May 25, 2025.
More than 500 participants of all ages gathered under a sea of umbrellas, walking in solidarity with Malaysians living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease that currently affects an estimated 43 out of every 100,000 individuals.
Organised by the Persatuan SLE Malaysia (PSLEM) in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine & HCTM, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the event coincided with World Lupus Day and aimed to raise awareness, compassion, and understanding for the challenges faced by lupus patients.
The symbolic 3KM walk under umbrellas was more than just a stroll in the park—it was a heartfelt gesture of support. For lupus warriors, sun exposure can worsen symptoms and trigger flares. The umbrella thus became a powerful metaphor, not just for protection from the sun, but for the community’s role in shielding lupus patients from stigma, misinformation, and isolation.
According to Prof. Dr. Syahrul Sazliyana Binti Shaharir, President of PSLEM and a Consultant Rheumatologist at HCTM UKM, lupus is a disease without a cure, often manifesting through painful symptoms such as joint inflammation, organ damage, chronic fatigue, and emotional distress.
“Lupus doesn’t just affect the body—it affects jobs, finances, and mental health. Events like Walk-A-Payung allow us to bring these struggles into the public eye and offer support to those who feel unseen,” said Prof. Dr. Syahrul during her address.
Dato’ Dr Norsiah Binti Ali, from the Ministry of Health Malaysia, officially launched the event alongside Prof. Dr. Syahrul, both of whom emphasized the importance of education and early intervention in managing SLE. The morning began with a high-energy Zumba session led by the Royal Fitness Squad from Universiti Malaya, infusing the crowd with energy and enthusiasm before the ceremonial flag-off.
One of the highlights of Walk-A-Payung 2025 was the official launch of the “iLawan Lupus: A Patient Dialogue Book on SLE”, developed in partnership with AstraZeneca. This book serves as a platform to amplify the voices of SLE patients, sharing personal stories and struggles while fostering better communication between patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.
The book is a milestone in lupus advocacy, bridging the gap between clinical perspectives and the lived experiences of those affected by the disease. It’s a step toward more empathetic care, encouraging healthcare providers to listen closely and respond compassionately.
The event also included a variety of fun and engaging activities for all ages. Families enjoyed creative competitions, lucky draws, and a special appearance by the 501st Legion Malaysia Garrison, bringing pop culture excitement to the cause. These lighter moments provided a sense of joy and community, reinforcing the idea that living with lupus doesn’t mean living without hope or connection.
Since its inception in 2007, Walk-A-Payung has grown into a flagship campaign for PSLEM, showcasing not only the resilience of lupus patients but also the commitment of the broader Malaysian public to supporting health equity and inclusivity.
Walk-A-Payung 2025 stands as a reminder that small acts—like walking with an umbrella—can spark big change. By walking together, we walk toward a future where lupus is better understood, better treated, and surrounded by unwavering support.
As the sun shone gently over Titiwangsa Lake, the sea of umbrellas symbolised something bigger than weather protection—it was a united front against a disease that deserves more attention and compassion.
Keywords:
- Walk-A-Payung 2025
- lupus awareness Malaysia
- PSLEM lupus event
- lupus Malaysia 2025
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- SLE patient support
- World Lupus Day Malaysia
- lupus walkathon Kuala Lumpur
- iLawan Lupus book
- lupus community Malaysia
