SHAH ALAM, June 18 — The PeerZ programme under the Selangor Mental Sihat (SEHAT) initiative is an effort by the state government to raise mental health awareness among students.
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the programme was designed to help teenagers identify mental health issues and foster a more supportive and caring school environment.
“PeerZ is not just a talk, but a movement of advocacy that gives students the opportunity to understand mental health better,” she said at the opening ceremony of a carnival for the PeerZ pilot programme.
She added that PeerZ comprises three components — awareness modules, practical sessions, and mental health awareness carnivals.
Jamaliah explained that it is built on four objectives — to improve students’ understanding of mental health, to train students to communicate more effectively and encourage them to become peer supporters, to promote an anti-stigma culture, and to build a school community that supports one another without judgment.
She also said the initiative is carried out in collaboration with several strategic partners, including PERKAMA International and Epid ETC Consulting.
“Mental health is no longer an issue that can be taken lightly as it involves humanity, education, and the future of the nation,” she said.
Jamaliah noted that early interventions like PeerZ are crucial to encourage students to seek help more confidently before problems become more severe and lead to greater mental health challenges.
