THE Selangor government is launching a PeerZ pilot programme in two Bandar Utama secondary schools, including the one where a fatal stabbing occurred last year, to provide peer-based emotional support for students before involving mental health professionals.
In a report by an online news portal today, State executive councillor for Public Health and Environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin (picture) said the initiative will supplement the existing Peer Support Programme (PRS) run by the state department.
According to her, issues relating to school safety and student counselling support were raised during a meeting with parent representatives after the tragic incident.
“PeerZ aims to provide a platform for students to share experiences, challenges and emotional stress with their peers in a safer and more conducive setting.
“Through this approach, students requiring early support will receive emotional assistance and guidance from peers before being referred to school counselling officers or mental health professionals, should further intervention be necessary,” she said.
Jamaliah said safeguarding students’ safety, welfare and wellbeing remains a top priority for the state government, alongside efforts to foster a safer, calmer and more supportive school environment during the community’s recovery process.
She said the initiative would focus on awareness education, peer support and the development of emotional skills as part of efforts to foster a healthier and more resilient learning environment.
The pilot is expected to launch this year; however, no definitive timeline has been set.
The exco added that the allocation for mental health programmes under her public health portfolio has more than doubled, rising from RM700,000 in 2025 to RM1.5 million in 2026, enabling the rollout of pilot initiatives and mental health support interventions for students and teachers.
Following the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Yap Shing Xuen at SMK Bandar Utama Damansara 4, the state government convened a Safety Strengthening Engagement Session on Nov 19, with parent representatives, school officials and relevant agencies, to ensure enhanced safety measures and prevent similar incidents.
The government has also pledged RM17,000 to improve safety aspects within the school compound.
