SAFEKSA 2026: FOSTERING A SAFER, HEALTHIER CML COMMUNITY AT UMPSA

PEKAN, 12-13 August 2026 - The Centre for Modern Languages (CML), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safety, health and well-being within its community through a two-day programme comprising the ERT Preparedness Course on 12 August and the SAFEKSA 2026 Programme on 13 August 2026.

Organised by the Occupational Safety and Health Unit (KKP) in collaboration with the Public Sector Conducive Ecosystem Unit (EKSA), the two-day programme was designed to enhance staff preparedness for emergency situations while strengthening awareness of workplace safety, health and well-being in both professional and daily life.

ERT Preparedness Course Enhances Emergency Readiness

The first day of the programme, held on 12 August 2026, began with the ERT Preparedness Course, which focused on strengthening the preparedness of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) to manage incidents and emergency situations.

The course introduced participants to the roles and responsibilities of emergency response teams, emergency preparedness procedures, appropriate actions during incidents, and the importance of effective coordination and communication in ensuring that emergency responses are carried out promptly, systematically and safely.

The programme also reflected CML's continuous efforts to ensure that its staff not only understand established safety procedures but are also equipped with the necessary awareness and readiness to respond appropriately when emergencies occur.

SAFEKSA 2026 Promotes Safety, Health and Well-being

The programme continued on 13 August 2026 with SAFEKSA 2026, which featured a range of activities addressing various aspects of safety and health.

One of the main highlights was the Water Safety Talk, delivered by personnel from the Peramu Fire and Rescue Station at the CML Main Meeting Room. The session provided participants with valuable information on water-related risks, preventive measures and appropriate actions to take during water emergencies.

The programme continued with a Water Rescue Demonstration at the lake opposite the UMPSA Library on the Pekan Campus. The practical demonstration gave participants a better understanding of water rescue procedures and techniques while emphasising the importance of prioritising rescuers' safety during rescue operations.

A Safety Exhibition by the Peramu Fire and Rescue Station was also organised, allowing members of the UMPSA community to learn more about safety awareness and emergency preparedness.

Prioritising the Health of the UMPSA Community

In addition to safety-related activities, SAFEKSA 2026 also highlighted the importance of health and well-being through the participation of the UMPSA Health Centre.

Health screening services were provided at BK100 in the CML Building on the Pekan Campus. These included height and weight measurements, blood pressure checks and medical consultations with doctors.

The initiative provided staff members with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of their basic health status and receive professional advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The inclusion of health screening activities also reflected the programme's holistic approach, recognising that occupational safety and health encompass not only physical safety but also employees' overall health and well-being.

EKSA and Sustainability Initiatives

SAFEKSA 2026 also incorporated EKSA-related activities through the CML EKSA Exhibition, which was held in the lobby of the CML Building on the Pekan Campus.

The exhibition provided information on EKSA practices and highlighted CML's efforts to create a conducive, organised, clean and safe working environment.

A Thrift Pop-Up Sale was also organised as part of the programme to promote the reuse of pre-loved items, support sustainability efforts and encourage waste reduction.

Safety as a Culture, Not Merely a Programme

The Dean of the Centre for Modern Languages, Associate Professor Dr Zuraina binti Ali, highlighted the importance of making safety and health an integral part of the working culture among members of the CML community.

“Safety and health are a shared responsibility. Through programmes such as SAFEKSA 2026, members of our community not only gain knowledge but are also given the opportunity to experience and understand safety practices through demonstrations, health screenings and various awareness activities.”

She added that an approach combining training, practical exposure and awareness activities could help develop a community that is more aware of potential risks and better prepared to respond to emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Programme Director, Mr Mohd Shafeirul Zaman bin Abd Majid, explained that SAFEKSA 2026 represented a continuation of the Occupational Safety and Health Unit's efforts to enhance safety awareness and preparedness among members of the CML community.

“We want to ensure that safety is not merely regarded as a procedure to be followed, but as a culture that is practised in our daily lives. This is why the programme was designed to include a combination of ERT preparedness training, water safety awareness, rescue demonstrations, health screenings and EKSA-related activities.”

According to him, the involvement of external agencies and professional service providers, including the Peramu Fire and Rescue Station and the UMPSA Health Centre, added significant value to the programme by giving participants direct access to knowledge and practical guidance from professionals with relevant expertise in safety and health.

Participants Welcome the Practical Approach

Participants also provided positive feedback on SAFEKSA 2026, describing the programme as practical, informative and relevant to real-life situations.

One participant shared that the water rescue demonstration was a valuable learning experience because it enabled participants to observe how rescue operations should be carried out while ensuring the safety of both victims and rescuers.

“Activities such as the rescue demonstration and health screening are highly beneficial because the knowledge gained can also be applied in our daily lives. The programme has increased our awareness that taking the right action during an emergency can help reduce the risk of more serious consequences.”

Strengthening the Safety Culture at the Centre for Modern Languages

Overall, the two-day ERT Preparedness Course and SAFEKSA 2026 formed a comprehensive and complementary initiative aimed at strengthening the culture of safety and health at the Centre for Modern Languages.

The ERT Preparedness Course focused on emergency readiness and the ability to respond effectively during critical situations, while SAFEKSA 2026 broadened safety awareness through educational sessions, practical demonstrations, health screenings, exhibitions, EKSA practices and sustainability initiatives.

This holistic approach is in line with UMPSA's aspiration to develop a university community that is not only productive and competent but also risk-aware, safety-conscious and responsible for its own health and well-being, as well as that of the wider community.

The successful organisation of the programme is expected to serve as a catalyst for the continued efforts of the KKP and EKSA Units at the Centre for Modern Languages to promote a safe, healthy and conducive working environment while further strengthening safety as an integral part of the identity and daily practices of the UMPSA community.

Prepared by: Mohd Shafeirul Zaman bin Abd Majid