Building a safer community

UTAR Safety Expo 2019, with the theme ‘A Safer Community Starts with Me’, was organised by UTAR Student Representative Council (SRC) at Sungai Long Campus from 22 January 2019 to 23 January 2019. The aims of the expo were to raise the awareness of social safety, personal safety and food safety among the students and staff, as well as to increase the knowledge of safety and crime prevention. It was held with the assistance of UTAR First Aid Society, Sustainable Development Club, Community Service Society, Taekwondo Club and Hapkido Club.

From left: Lee, Zainudin, DSP Azmi, Prof Chuah and Jason Koh

Present at the opening ceremony were Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Azmi bin Awang Lah, UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Department of Safety and Security of Sungai Long Campus Head Zainudin bin Mustaffa, sponsors, UTAR staff and students.

In his speech, Prof Chuah applauded the effort of the organising committees for conducting such a significant event. He also expressed his gratitude to DSP Azmi and the police force for all their supports given in ensuring the safety of the University and the surrounding campus. Talking about the awareness of safety, he urged the participants to not only concern about personal and road safety, but also other aspects such as food safety. “Food safety is also important. Almost 1 in 10 people in the world suffer from some kind of illness after eating contaminated food,” he said. He also advised students not to neglect safety precautions and involve in drug or unhealthy activities in order to prevent tragedy from happening.

Organising Chairperson Lee Sang Yu, on the other hand, thanked his committee members for their arduous effort in making the event a success after five months of preparation. He also specially thanked the sponsors, the speakers and distinguished guests for giving all the trust and resources. He hoped that this initiative could be beneficial in term of increasing the safety level in the area of Sungai Long as well as increasing the awareness of danger among the surrounding community. He also advised the participants to put safety at the forefront and he ended his speech by saying, “Safety doesn’t happen by accident.”

Prof Chuah presenting a token of appreciation to DSP Azmi (second from left) while Lee looks on

Moreover, DSP Azmi was invited to give a talk during the event. In his talk, he shared his experience about the crimes that often happen and some of the ways to prevent them. According to him, the most common case was stealing cars and motorcycles, which contributed about 80 percent of cases reported in Kajang area. It was followed by other cases such as breaking into houses, snatch theft, rape and bullies. He also advised that people should take more precaution steps to prevent the criminals instead of blaming the police for not doing their job.  “Do not put yourself in a situation that could make you a potential victim,” he said. 

From left: Jason Koh and Dr Goh

Also invited to deliver interesting talks were Sales Manager of Safetylab Sdn Bhd Jason Koh Soon Heng and Dr Goh Yong Kheng from UTAR Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science. In his talk, Jason Koh introduced and explained the function of the safety equipment such as flame retardant garments, foot guard, protective gloves and automated external defibrillators (AED) to the participants. He also provided guidance on how to use the safety equipment correctly to prevent injury or reduce the severity of an injury. On the other hand, Dr Goh presented an overall idea of cyber security. Besides explaining the key concepts and the different types of cyber security, he also highlighted the importance of authentication and provided guidance on how to protect oneself from malicious software.

The instructor for UTAR Taekwondo and Hapkido Club Lionel Yap Teck Liong sharing basic defence knowledge strategy with participants

A self-defence demonstration by coach Roy Ng Kah Sing and his student

In addition, the event offered a self-defence workshop that taught people techniques to avoid a dangerous situation and fend off an assailant. A first aid workshop was also conducted by UTAR First Aid Society to arm the participants with the knowledge and skill required to assist in a wide range of first aid situations. Besides, a series of activities such as the demonstration of emergency case and self-defense, mini games, and lucky draw session were conducted to attract more participants.

The two-day event was supported by Diamond sponsor SafetyLab Sdn Bhd; Gold Sponsor CL Tart Shop Enterprise (聚隆) and Shifen Station; Silver sponsor Takaro Boardgame café. 

Lee (front row, most left) and Vice Chairperson Ong Bing Jian (front row, most right) with the organising committee

Some safety tips and guidelines were given to increase the awareness of potential safety issues

Game booths were set up to encourage more involvement of participants

A display of crime scene at the expo

A participant trying his hand on CPR