Malaysia's National Service Training Programme (PLKN) is making a comeback, aiming to instill patriotism, resilience, and volunteerism among its trainees. Initially launched in 2004, the programme has been reintroduced as PLKN 3.0 in 2020, targeting males aged 18 and above as compulsory participants, while females can join voluntarily. The programme, segmented into three phases—Pre-PLKN, basic training, and specialised training—seeks to provide a unique experience fostering national pride and unity among the youth.
The basic training phase, lasting 45 days, will take place at a territorial army camp in Kuala Lumpur. Exclusively for individuals aged 17 to 20, it is part of the broader eligibility criteria encompassing those aged 16 to 35. The programme's expansion will commence with 500 recruits in July and aims for full implementation next year. Notably, the specialised training phase, open to individuals aged 17 to 35, will feature intensive field training and practical components.
A survey by MIDAS revealed that 87% of respondents support extending the programme. The initiative will segregate participants by gender, with males and females attending separate venues. The government will bear an average daily cost of RM64 per participant. This revamped approach aims to provide trainees with experiences unavailable elsewhere, contributing to a greater sense of national pride and unity.
Sue Haizal, a former participant, shared her initial apprehensions about the programme.
"I didn't want to go. I was terrified of ragging and was worried I wouldn't be able to endure it." – Sue Haizal
However, her perspective shifted after experiencing the programme firsthand.
"It wasn't as bad as some made it out to be. In fact, it was the opposite." – Sue Haizal
The programme's objective is to revisit the foundational values underpinning Malaysia's formation, according to Mohd Syafik Mohd Taufik.
"The national service should go back to the basics of how the country was formed. The patriotism will be inculcated in the trainees I believe." – Mohd Syafik Mohd Taufik
Meanwhile, Ahmad highlighted the importance of continuity in improving the programme.
"How are you going to improve it if there is no continuity?" – Ahmad
He also acknowledged potential challenges within the training camps.
"Of course we don’t want these things to happen, but they can occur anywhere. Maybe there is a need to increase the number of trainers at the camps." – Ahmad
Despite past challenges, some believe that clearer objectives and a structured military or semi-military approach are necessary for success.
"There are no clear objectives because of legacy problems from the previous national service programmes. If it wants to continue, it should be military or semi-military. If we want to do it, it must be properly done." – Saifuddin Abdullah
Saifuddin Abdullah also noted the expanded scope of PLKN 3.0 compared to previous iterations.
"The target for the third national service is bigger than the first two. It is possible the actual programme in 2026 will require a bigger budget." – Saifuddin Abdullah
For many participants like Sue Haizal, national service offered personal growth and new friendships.
"I was an introvert and didn’t have much confidence, but I believe this improved after the national service." – Sue Haizal
Syafik also emphasized the importance of social interaction within the programme.
"From my experience in the national service, participants mix with one another. In school, they go back to their families but in the national service, their families are the other participants, all of whom are of different backgrounds. From there you build an understanding of one another." – Syafik
He also stressed focusing on core elements such as unity and nation-building.
"You would lose focus after a while and it should really be kept simple to the core elements of unity and nation building." – Syafik
Mohd Mahadee Ismail expressed concern over past mismanagement issues within the programme.
"The element of nation building eroded and it became a place for the cronies of the leaders to get projects. It looked as if they were trying to reduce cost for more profit." – Mohd Mahadee Ismail
Khaled Noordin explained that this shift aims to enhance infrastructure and create a more formal training environment.
"This shift does not only provide better infrastructure but also creates a more formal and better professional training environment." – Khaled Noordin
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