Curtin Malaysia engineering students take slope safety awareness to Miri community

Miri, Sarawak – 12 November 2026 – Raising awareness of slope safety and landslide prevention while bringing engineering knowledge beyond the classroom, students and academic staff from Curtin University Malaysia’s (Curtin Malaysia) Department of Civil and Construction Engineering recently engaged with local authorities and community representatives at Miri City Hall.

The community engagement initiative, titled “Enhancing Slope Safety Awareness through a Community-Based Geotechnical Assessment and Monitoring Framework”, aimed to promote greater public understanding of slope-related risks and practical measures to prevent landslides.

Led by Dr. Hamzh Alarifi and Associate Professor Wong Kwong Soon, Head of the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, the programme brought the students together with representatives of Miri City Council (MCC), councillors and community leaders to share knowledge on geotechnical safety and the importance of protecting communities from slope-related hazards.

As part of the engagement, the students presented educational posters highlighting key aspects of slope safety, including effective drainage systems, safe excavation practices, early warning signs of slope instability, retaining wall protection and the role of vegetation in stabilising slopes.

The presentations provided an opportunity for the students to translate their academic knowledge into practical, accessible information for the wider community, while encouraging dialogue on the importance of proactive slope monitoring and preventive measures.

Beyond geotechnical safety, the programme also exposed the students to sustainable building practices through a guided tour of Miri City Hall. They explored the building’s green features and sustainability initiatives, gaining first-hand insights into how environmental considerations are incorporated into public infrastructure and modern building design.

Dr. Hamzh said the initiative provided valuable opportunities for the students to strengthen their technical understanding while developing the ability to communicate engineering concepts and safety information to the public.

“Through this engagement, our students were able to deepen their understanding of geotechnical engineering and sustainable construction while recognising the importance of translating technical knowledge into practical information that communities can understand and apply.

“The programme also encouraged collaboration between the university, local authorities and community representatives, highlighting the important role of engineering education in promoting safer and more sustainable communities,” he said.

On behalf of the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Associate Professor Wong expressed his appreciation to MCC for hosting the visit and supporting the community engagement initiative.

He also acknowledged Curtin Malaysia’s Learning and Teaching Office for providing the grant that made the programme possible, enabling students to gain valuable learning experiences beyond the classroom and strengthen their practical knowledge and community engagement skills.

Appreciation was also extended to the Curtin Civil Society (CCS) for its assistance in coordinating and organising the programme.

Through initiatives such as this, Curtin Malaysia continues to strengthen the connection between academic learning and community needs, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while contributing to public awareness, community resilience and sustainable development.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Dr Hamzh Alarifi (second right) presents a souvenir to MCC Councillor Tan Lek Jin during the visit.

Curtin Malaysia delegates with MCC representatives and community leaders.