Workshop on Biohazard Spillage Management for IIUM Staff
The IIUM Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee successfully organized a Workshop on Biohazard Spillage Management on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM, held at the Biobehavioral Lab, Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM Kuantan, Pahang.
The program aimed to enhance staff awareness, knowledge, and readiness in handling biohazard spillages effectively and safely. Through a combination of theoretical sessions and hands-on practical training, participants were equipped with essential skills in:
- Identifying potential biohazard spill risks
- Implementing immediate containment and clean-up measures
- Applying correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Understanding institutional procedures and compliance requirements
A total of 34 participants attended the workshop, comprising associate members from each Kulliyyah as well as additional representatives to ensure broad representation across the campus community.
This workshop served as an important platform to strengthen IIUM’s commitment towards maintaining a safe working environment, in line with national biosafety and biosecurity standards. The active participation of staff members reflects the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and preparedness in all laboratory and workplace settings.
Biosafety Symsposium 2025
The Biosafety Symposium 2025 was officiated on the 21st August 2025 by the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), YB Dato’ Sri Huang Tiong Sii, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Shah Alam, Selangor.
The symposium was held in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and the enforcement of the Biosafety Act 2007, particularly in the regulation and control of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). It also served as a platform for knowledge sharing and for enhancing biosafety regulatory procedures in Malaysia.
Key highlights included the exchange of a strategic cooperation document between the Department of Biosafety (JBK) and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), as well as presentations from regional and international experts representing Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom. The program also featured a dialogue session entitled “With Great Technology Comes Great Responsibility: Genetically Modified Food from Farm to Plate.”
The event was also attended by the Secretary General of NRES, Datuk Dr. Ching Thoo a/l Kim, Deputy Secretary General (Environmental Sustainability), Datuk Nor Yahati Awang, Deputy Secretary General (Natural Resources), Puan Norsham Abdul Latip, alongside representatives from various departments and agencies under the Ministry.
In addition, several members of the IIUM Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee (IBBC), together with the Chairman, participated in the symposium. Their involvement provided a valuable opportunity for networking, exposure to global and regional biosafety developments, and gaining insights that will further strengthen biosafety practices within IIUM.
