September 24, 2025

by Muhammad Farhan Mahmud & Dr. Muzaitul Akma Mustapa Kamal Basha

Location:  Sekolah Kebangsaan Pandan, Kuantan, Pahang. 

More than 150 Level 2 primary students of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pandan, Kuantan, experienced a day filled with hands-on learning, active participation, and fun discovery during the Program Murid Sihat dan Selamat. The programme was a collective initiative by the Department of Professional Nursing Studies, Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM, led by Dr. Muzaitul Akma Mustapa Kamal Basha, following requests and discussions with SK Pandan.

This effort was supported by members of the Clinical Skills Centre (CSC) and the Department of Critical Care Nursing, Kuliyyah of Nursing, IIUM, and strengthened through the full backing of community partners – Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) Paya Besar and Lepar branches, the Majlis Belia Pahang, and PERKIM. Together, the collaboration highlighted the value of partnerships in empowering young learners with essential knowledge.

A Day of Active Learning

The day began with a cheerful morning stretching exercise led by Br. Muhamad Syazwan Rostam, a fourth-year KON student, which immediately lifted the spirits of the pupils and set an energising tone for the programme. Excited chatter and laughter filled the field as the pupils followed the simple movements, enjoying the sense of togetherness. Next, the pupils were introduced to basic emergency assistance through an engaging talk delivered by Dr. Muzaitul Akma and Dr. Hasanah Pairoh. The session was short, simple, and interactive, designed to capture the children’s attention while explaining how to act during emergencies. Pupils were encouraged to ask questions, share their thoughts, and reflect on what they already knew, making the experience relatable and impactful.

Hands-On Exposure Through Learning Stations

After the introductory briefing, the pupils were divided into ten groups and rotated across 10 learning stations, each designed to demonstrate a specific emergency skill includes, seizure and syncope management, handwashing technique, bandaging, simple wound dressing, splinting and arm sling application, choking management, chest compressions and an introduction to CPR, proper handwashing, nosebleed management, early burn management. Every station was facilitated by KON lecturers and clinical instructors, assisted by volunteers from Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah (UniPSAS) and GPMS Paya Besar members. The pupils were not passive listeners – they practised bandaging each other, tried chest compressions on training manikins, and even demonstrated the correct way to stop a nosebleed under supervision. The hands-on element ensured that the knowledge gained was memorable, practical, and enjoyable. The sight of young children confidently engaging with emergency techniques highlighted how early exposure can instil awareness and resilience, even at a primary school level. Teachers observed with pride as their pupils displayed enthusiasm and curiosity at every station.

Hands-On Exposure Through Learning Stations

After the introductory briefing, the pupils were divided into ten groups and rotated across 10 learning stations, each designed to demonstrate a specific emergency skill includes, seizure and syncope management, handwashing technique, bandaging, simple wound dressing, splinting and arm sling application, choking management, chest compressions and an introduction to CPR, proper handwashing, nosebleed management, early burn management. Every station was facilitated by KON lecturers and clinical instructors, assisted by volunteers from Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah (UniPSAS) and GPMS Paya Besar members. The pupils were not passive listeners – they practised bandaging each other, tried chest compressions on training manikins, and even demonstrated the correct way to stop a nosebleed under supervision. The hands-on element ensured that the knowledge gained was memorable, practical, and enjoyable. The sight of young children confidently engaging with emergency techniques highlighted how early exposure can instil awareness and resilience, even at a primary school level. Teachers observed with pride as their pupils displayed enthusiasm and curiosity at every station.

Evaluation, Quiz, and Joyful Learning

Before the closing session, an evaluation and short quiz were held to test the pupils’ understanding of the skills they had learned throughout the day. The quiz, designed in a fun and interactive format, allowed the pupils to answer questions, demonstrate certain techniques, and reflect on their new knowledge.
The children participated eagerly, laughing and cheering each other on. For many, the quiz became one of the highlights of the programme as it combined both learning and play. Teachers and facilitators noted that the pupils retained key knowledge and showed confidence in their responses. The activity added an element of excitement and healthy competition, ensuring that learning outcomes were achieved in a joyful atmosphere

Closing Ceremony and Partnership Agreement Signing

The programme concluded with a formal closing ceremony. Headmaster of SK Pandan, Encik Mohd Razuki Bin Daud, expressed deep appreciation to IIUM and all partners for making the programme a success:

“On behalf of SK Pandan, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to IIUM’s Kulliyyah of Nursing and all collaborators for organising such a meaningful programme. Not only did our pupils enjoy themselves, they also received valuable exposure to basic emergency care at an early age. We truly look forward to more initiatives like this in the future.”

 

A highlight of the day was the signing of a partnership agreement between SK Pandan and KON IIUM, symbolising the beginning of a sustainable partnership. The partnership agreement was signed by the Headmaster and Dr. Abdul Alif Abd Hamid, Deputy Dean of Student Development and Community Engagement, KON. It was witnessed by En. Abu Na’azeim Abu Talib, Assistant Secretary of Majlis Belia Negeri Pahang, and Dr. Nur Ain Mahat, Head of Department of Professional Nursing Studies, KON.

Looking Towards the Future

Programme leader Dr. Muzaitul Akma concluded the day with words of gratitude and vision:

“We are truly thankful to all facilitators, volunteers, and partners who worked tirelessly to ensure this programme’s success. In shaa Allah, we will continue with a second and third series focusing on psychological health and peer guidance among SK Pandan pupils. This is only the beginning of a long-term journey to nurture healthier, more resilient children.”

The Program Murid Sihat dan Selamat successfully combined health education, skill-building, and fun, leaving pupils motivated and empowered with essential life-saving knowledge. With strong institutional collaboration, enthusiastic volunteers, and a clear commitment to sustainability, the programme stands as a model of how academia and community organisations can work together to positively impact young lives.