THE Penang government has formed a special committee to handle various matters related to mental health cases in the state.
Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the special committee, known as the Penang Mental Health Committee, was established on Nov 14 this year.
Gooi (PH-Padang Lalang) told the State Legislative Assembly during his winding-up speech at the State Assembly Building in Light Street today that the committee comprises members from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as Befrienders Penang, I-Life Suicide Prevention Association, Kiwanis Penang Central, D’Home Mental Health Association and Penang Care Society.
“They will be tasked to coordinate all efforts involving public and private partnerships to highlight mental health issues.
“After all, mental health issues also are closely related to suicide cases.
“Thus, it is imperative for the state government to establish this important committee to work on this matter,” he said.
On another matter, Gooi said the sports training programmes in the state are now properly coordinated to realise the state government’s vision to develop sports in the state holistically from grassroots levels to the higher tiers.
“The specific aspects include the development programme for state athletes, the empowerment programme for state coaches, the development of proper and comprehensive training centres and the strengthening of sports associations in the state.
“All this is to cultivate a disciplined and competitive sports contingent capable of representing Penang at the highest levels of competition,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad