Free class: CPR and AED awareness (St John Ambulance of Malaysia)

Key facts

• Run by St John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM). Not a Mereka course.^[1]
• Free, about 2 hours, hands-on, in person in Kuala Lumpur.^[2][1]
• Public classes run on the last Sunday of the month, except December, 9am to 11am or 1pm to 3pm.^[3]
• No assessment and no certificate: it is an awareness class.^[2]
• SJAM's pages do not state a minimum age, so check the minimum age before booking.^[1][2][3]

What you'll do

SJAM has trained first aiders since 1908^[3]. In this class a trainer explains CPR (pressing on the chest to keep blood moving when someone's heart stops) and how to use an AED, the defibrillator you see in malls and stations^[3]. You watch a live demonstration, then practise on training equipment yourself^[1]. Training is in Bahasa Malaysia, English or both^[3].

No Mereka Academy course covers health or first aid, which is why this one comes from another provider^[4].

Where, when and what it costs

The class is free and lasts about 2 hours^[2][1]. It runs at SJAM National Headquarters, 41 Jalan Shelley, Kuala Lumpur, a two-minute walk from Cochrane MRT^[1]. Public classes are on the last Sunday of each month except December^[3]. SJAM does not list dates on its page, so see the open slots on its booking form, and book only if you can go: free places are funded by SJAM's paid courses^[1].

If you want a certificate later, SJAM's one-day Awareness of First Aid public class is listed at RM250 per person on its 2026 rate card, before 8% SST^[3].

Who it suits

You, if you liked the Health & Science taster and can get to Kuala Lumpur. It is a quick, real test of how you feel when you are asked to act in an emergency. It also suits anyone who wants a life skill, whatever career they choose.

What this means for you

• Two hours of hands-on practice tells you more about whether you like emergency and patient-facing work than any reading can.
• It is in person in KL only, so it suits Klang Valley learners. Outside KL, ask your state's SJAM branch whether they run a similar class.
• You do not get a certificate. Treat it as experience to talk about, not a qualification to list.
• The age rule is not published. A 17-year-old may need a parent's consent or company, so ask first.

Your next step

1. Check the minimum age before booking: message SJAM on +60163310325 or [email protected] and ask whether a 17-year-old can attend, and whether a parent must come.^[1]
2. Then, with a parent, pick a slot on the SJAM booking form(opens in a new tab), go, and afterwards note one moment you felt confident and one you did not in your Future Map.