SK GUAL TO'DEH - On 2 November 2025, Sekolah Kebangsaan Gual To’Deh, Rantau Panjang, Kelantan made history by hosting the State-Level Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Education Programme 2025, a significant educational initiative involving participants from three Malaysian states — Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang. The programme, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) and UNICEF Malaysia, was held at Dewan Anjung Sri. More than just a formal ceremony, this event served as a crucial platform to strengthen awareness, preparedness, and community resilience among schools in facing the growing threat of natural disasters.
The programme’s theme, “Every small action today can save many lives tomorrow,” perfectly reflects the spirit of Malaysia MADANI Education, which emphasizes safety, humanity, and sustainability. It highlights the belief that every individual — students, teachers, and the public — plays an essential role in building a culture of resilience and responsibility in the face of disasters.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Ahmad Sufyan Bin Mohamed Aslam, Disaster Risk Reduction Consultant from UNICEF Malaysia, emphasized that education is the foundation of a resilient society. “We cannot prevent disasters, but we can reduce their impact through the right knowledge and preparedness,” he said. He commended the Ministry of Education and the Kelantan State Education Department for their collaborative efforts in uniting multiple agencies to develop a safe learning environment. According to him, disaster education should not be treated as an optional subject but as a core life skill integrated into the national education system. He added that students must be trained to act wisely and calmly during emergencies such as floods, storms, fires, or the recent tremors experienced in certain areas of Johor, reminding Malaysians that disasters now occur in previously unexpected regions.
During the officiating speech, Mr. Mohd Fakaruddin bin Hussain, Chief Assistant Director of the Student Welfare and Health Management Unit, Division of School Management, MOE, highlighted that this programme is an excellent platform to nurture a generation that is not only knowledgeable but also resilient, disciplined, and socially responsible. “Schools are the first line of safety for children,” he stated. “Therefore, strengthening disaster risk education must begin in schools — through teachers who are well-trained and students who are well-prepared.”
He also shared that the MOE is currently expanding the national DRR initiative under the School Disaster Risk Management Action Plan (2025–2030), which focuses on three key pillars: awareness, preparedness, and quick response. Mr. Mohd Fakaruddin urged every school to establish a School Disaster Management Team that can act promptly during emergencies. He expressed pride in SK Gual To’Deh’s proactive leadership in implementing safety initiatives, especially in flood-prone areas such as Rantau Panjang. “This programme demonstrates that collaboration among schools, local communities, and government agencies can successfully build a culture of preparedness,” he added.
Furthermore, he linked DRR education to the concept of lifelong learning, stating that disaster education is not only about survival but also about understanding the causes and consequences of environmental hazards. “Through DRR, we are not just teaching students how to evacuate safely during floods,” he explained, “but also helping them appreciate the importance of environmental stewardship, waste management, and the preservation of nature as a divine trust.” His remarks received enthusiastic applause, symbolizing the audience’s strong support for embedding safety and humanitarian values within the education system.
The event was further strengthened by the presentation of safety jackets and school bags to selected students representing districts across Kelantan. This symbolic gesture from MOE and UNICEF conveyed a clear message — that every child deserves both knowledge and protection. The act of equipping students with basic safety items reflects a shift in national education from reactive disaster response to proactive disaster preparedness.
Participants included representatives from various schools such as SK Gual Tinggi, SK Lubok Stol, SK Sri Rantau Panjang, SK Tasek, and SK Che Latif, illustrating the wide network of collaboration among educational institutions. A recent study by Nor Azura and Zulkifli (2023) revealed that nearly 70% of schools in flood-prone areas still lack comprehensive emergency response plans. Thus, the DRR Education Programme serves as an essential mechanism to strengthen disaster readiness and awareness among teachers and students across the state.
From a pedagogical perspective, DRR education fosters empathy, leadership, and social responsibility among students. Research by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR, 2022) shows that schools implementing DRR programmes recorded a 40% increase in effective response rates during real emergencies. This finding supports the belief that disaster education is not merely theoretical, but a vital part of building resilient and informed communities.
In conclusion, the State-Level Disaster Risk Reduction Education Programme 2025 at SK Gual To’Deh stands as a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to holistic education that integrates safety, sustainability, and community engagement. It redefines the role of schools as not only centers of learning but also centers of resilience — empowering young Malaysians to protect themselves, their families, and their nation. With the vision of Malaysia MADANI, DRR education must continue as a national agenda so that every small step taken today truly becomes an action that saves lives tomorrow.
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