Youth embrace new PLKN era

The Star

12-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: As the revamped National Service Training Programme 3.0 Series 2/2025 begins, selected trainees look forward to personal growth, friendship and new experiences.
Even parents of the trainees are also happy that their children will learn new skills and make new friends.
For Siti Maimunah Amir, 55, watching her youngest daughter, Nur Anis Azrina Razali, 18, enter the 515 Territorial Army Regiment Camp here for the programme, which began yesterday, was an emotional but proud moment.
'This is the first time she's ever been away from home in Kelantan,' said Siti Maimunah, who was accompanied by another daughter, Nur Fadlin Razali, 36.
'She's never even stayed in a hostel before. I am worried but I believe this experience will help her grow.'
The mother of six shared that Nur Anis was the only one among her children selected for the revamped PLKN 3.0.
'When I found out she was chosen, my heart raced. I was nervous and anxious ... but also proud. I didn't cry when we said goodbye ... but maybe I will later,' she smiled.
'She's never been apart from me. I just hope she settles in quickly and makes friends here.'
Her parting advice to her daughter was simple but heartfelt: 'Be kind, listen to your trainers and take care of yourself.'
Knowing that trainees won't have regular contact with their families, she packed some of Nur Anis' favourite snacks.
'I know she'll be provided with meals, but it's just something from home – just in case she gets hungry or starts missing us,' she added.
Journey's start: Female trainees preparing for registration at the 515th Regiment Territorial Army Camp in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama
When Evelyn Ng Min Min, 18, found out she was selected for the programme through the PLKN official website, she described the moment as a mix of surprise and nerves.
'I was the only one among my classmates who got selected. I'm worried about being here alone without knowing anyone.
'But the idea of getting to handle firearms during training gives me some motivation,' grinned Ng, who is from Muar, Johor.
She was accompanied by her mother, Lim Chiw Shi, 38, and her three younger sisters.
She said her sisters cried several times as they travelled to Kuala Lumpur.
'They've never been apart from me and so they are worried.
'I hope to meet new people and make friends. Besides getting fitter, I want to gain unexpected experiences – whether it's knowledge or friendship,' she said.
For Priyanka Anbalagan, 18, from Melaka, the notification that she was selected came with a fair share of anxiety.
'I've never had an experience like this before, so not knowing anyone or what to expect made me feel uneasy,' she said.
Despite missing her parents, she looks forward to the 45-day training.
'I hope I'll learn something new and have the confidence to see it through,' she said.
Wan Nursukainah Mahdi, 18, from Johor, was excited about being selected for the programme.
Her excitement was spurred by her brother, who attended PLKN in Mersing 10 years ago, and still talks fondly about the experience.
'He told me he didn't want the training to end! That got me looking forward to it.
'Even though I look small, I'm quite capable when it comes to physical activities. I'm confident I can complete the programme and I hope to make new friends along the way,' she added.
A total of 344 youths – 206 male and 138 female trainees – reported for the PLKN 3.0 Series 2/2025 yesterday.
Male trainees are placed at the 505 Territorial Army Camp in Pekan, Pahang, while females are based at the 515 Territorial Army Camp in Kuala Lumpur.
Despite being in separate camps, they will follow the same training modules comprising 30% nation-building and 70% basic military training, said National Service Training Department director-general Datuk Ya'cob Samiran.
He said the revised programme provides military-style uniforms and a gender-separated structure.
He assured the public that the revamped programme is safe and focused on character-building, confidence and civic responsibility.
He said late registrations are allowed until May 16, adding that 30 volunteers have joined the programme so far.
PLKN 3.0 kicked off on Jan 12 after a seven-year suspension.
A total of 142 volunteer trainees, aged 18 to 25, including 44 females, participated.
The third series will be held from Sept 7 to Oct 21.