KOTA SAMARAHAN: A swift and selfless act by a student at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) turned a life-or-death situation into a moment of hope, when Ahmad Nur Irfan Amirruddin rescued a drowning victim at the university lake on July 21.
Amid panic, Ahmad, a cadet officer of the Civil Defence Student Corps (SISPA), acted without hesitation, diving into the water to save the individual in distress.
His quick thinking and courage, rooted in the training he received under the SISPA programme, not only saved a life but also earned him widespread admiration.
“I didn’t have time to think. I just knew the person’s life was more important, and I had to act. I trusted the training we went through,” said Ahmad when met after an official appreciation ceremony held in his honour.
In recognition of his bravery, he was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by UNIMAS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) and Commander of the UNIMAS SISPA Corps, Honorary Assistant Commissioner (PA) Prof. Ir Ts. Dr Al-Khalid Othman.
The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Director of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Sarawak, Lieutenant Colonel (PA) Raja Muhammad Al-Hakim Raja Jaafar @ Raja Yaakub, Head of the APM Sarawak Force Management Branch, Lieutenant (PA) Zaidi Jili, UNIMAS SISPA officers, and other APM personnel who gathered to show their support.
Al-Khalid commended the cadet’s actions as a testament to the effectiveness of SISPA training and a reflection of strong humanitarian values among UNIMAS students.
“This is more than bravery – it’s an inspiration. Ahmad Nur Irfan showed that in every emergency, we must respond not just with knowledge, but with heart,” he said.
The event also highlighted the key role played by the SISPA Corps in shaping a generation of disciplined, resilient, and socially responsible youth ready to serve the community.
Ahmad’s actions underscore the true spirit of volunteerism and civil service – turning a critical moment into a story of courage, compassion, and leadership.
