Curtin Malaysia strengthens campus safety culture through Safety Awareness Day 2026

Miri, Sarawak – 28 May 2026 – More than 70 students from higher education institutions across northern Sarawak gathered at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) on May 21 for Safety Awareness Day 2026, a high-impact programme aimed at equipping young people with critical life-saving knowledge and strengthening community resilience through safety education.

Organised by Curtin Malaysia, this year’s event marked the university’s first collaboration with the National Security Council (MKN) Sarawak, bringing together government agencies, emergency responders, healthcare professionals, and students in a united effort to promote a stronger culture of safety awareness among youth.

Participants from i-CATS University College, Miri Industrial Training Institute (ILP), Fajar International College, and Riam Institute of Technology took part in a full-day programme featuring expert talks, interactive demonstrations, educational exhibitions, and safety-themed games designed to make learning both practical and engaging.

One of the key highlights was a live safety briefing by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (BOMBA), where officers demonstrated critical survival techniques for individuals trapped in vehicles during floods or river plunges, a timely topic given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Malaysia. Representatives from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) also shared insights into workplace safety laws and the importance of cultivating safe practices from a young age.

The students further explored a range of interactive booths hosted by agencies including the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), MKN Sarawak, Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Miri Chapter, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and Curtin Malaysia. Topics ranged from cybercrime prevention and chemical safety to disaster preparedness, mental health awareness, and the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Adding an interactive touch to the programme, participants tested their knowledge through games such as the ‘Safety Challenge’ Snakes and Ladders game and ‘Ring the Safe Choice,’ turning important safety lessons into memorable learning experiences.

Mohammad Haffizie Putit, Director of MKN Sarawak, commended Curtin Malaysia for spearheading initiatives that strengthen collaboration between government agencies and the wider community.

“This programme helps establish stronger connections and cooperation among agencies and the local community. Building a culture of safety is essential to ensuring the wellbeing of society as a whole,” he said.

Professor Vincent Lee, Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive of Curtin Malaysia, emphasised that safety is a shared responsibility that extends beyond campuses and workplaces into everyday life.

“The objectives of today’s programme are both timely and significant. Through this initiative, we aim to educate and empower students and young people to identify hazards, make informed decisions, and develop greater awareness of workplace safety and health,” he said.

Professor Lee also reaffirmed Curtin Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for students, staff, and the wider community.

Also present were Wazi Seman, Senior Assistant Director of MKN Sarawak; Sharon Chong Pau Fang, Chief Operating Officer of Curtin Malaysia; and Nicholas Leong, Corporate Affairs Manager of Curtin Malaysia.

The programme concluded with a collective call for greater public vigilance and proactive reporting of potential hazards, reflecting a shared commitment to creating safer campuses, workplaces, and communities.

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

Professor Lee (right) presenting a souvenir to Mohammad Haffizie as Sharon Chong looks on.

Front row, 3rd left Professor Vincent Lee, Mohammad Haffizie, and Sharon Chong in a group photo with exhibitors and participants.

A police officer briefing Mohammad Haffizie (2nd right) and Professor Lee on cybercrime prevention initiatives.

BOMBA Senior Officer II Awang Arizal Awang Affandy demonstrating critical survival steps for vehicle-related flood emergencies.

Participants engaging in the ‘Safety Challenge’ Snakes and Ladders game.