Written by Gabriella Lee Mei Yan
Final-year students of the Industrial Relations and Employment Programme (IREP), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), successfully organised the Fire Safety Awareness and Demonstration Programme 2026 at Bilik Multimedia 2 (BMM 2) and the Lower Ground area of the faculty. The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Department Malaysia, whose officers served as speakers and demonstrators throughout the event.
The programme involved approximately 85 participants, comprising UNIMAS students and pupils from Sekolah Kebangsaan Merdang, accompanied by three teachers. The initiative aimed to enhance public awareness of fire safety, provide basic knowledge of fire hazards, and equip participants with essential skills in emergency response procedures and the proper use of fire extinguishers.
The programme began with a fire safety awareness talk delivered by officers from the Fire and Rescue Department, during which participants were exposed to important aspects of fire prevention, emergency preparedness, evacuation procedures, and safety practices. A key highlight of the programme was the practical fire safety demonstration, which provided participants with the opportunity to observe and experience fire response techniques firsthand, making the programme both educational and engaging.
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the programme supported SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting inclusive and practical safety education for both university and school students. The initiative also contributed towards SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by fostering community preparedness, public safety awareness, and resilience in responding to fire-related emergencies.
The programme successfully strengthened collaboration between higher education institutions, schools, and public safety agencies while enhancing participants’ understanding of fire safety and emergency response. The initiative reflects the commitment of IREP, FSSH, UNIMAS to producing socially responsible graduates equipped with both academic knowledge and practical community engagement skills.
FSSH – A Partner for Social Change