S.A.F.E Programme Boosts Fire Emergency Preparedness

30 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The level of fire safety awareness and preparedness among residents of Usia 1-Borneo Residential College received a major boost through the S.A.F.E Programme and a Fire Emergency Drill conducted at the college today.

The programme, which saw full participation from college residents, was organised by the Student Welfare Committee (JAKMAS) in collaboration with the Usia 1-Borneo Occupational Safety and Health Committee Secretariat (KKU1B) and the Emergency Response Team (ERT).

Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Natural Resources (FSSA), Dr Frederick Josue @ Mohd Fadhil, said the initiative focused on providing residents with practical exposure, especially in handling unforeseen emergencies that could occur at night.

“Given the age of the Usia building and the occasional electrical fluctuations, the risk of fire incidents cannot be ignored."

" This exercise not only trains residents in physical response but also builds discipline and a sense of responsibility to act swiftly, orderly and safely,” he said.

The drill began with the sounding of the emergency alarm, signalling residents to evacuate through designated exits before assembling at the identified safety point.

Members of the ERT, comprising residential fellows, JAKMAS representatives and house leaders, supervised the evacuation process to ensure smooth coordination.

Adding realism to the exercise, the Fire and Rescue Department conducted a live demonstration of firefighting operations from the upper floors and showcased procedures for rescuing trapped victims, providing participants with valuable insights into actual emergency scenarios.

The S.A.F.E Programme aims to strengthen residents’ understanding of fire safety protocols and promote a culture of safety awareness within the residential community.

Organisers expressed confidence that ongoing initiatives of this nature will ensure that residents of Usia 1-Borneo Residential College remain prepared, alert and capable of responding effectively to any future fire emergencies.