Latest news with #PLKN
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Health issues, study commitments among reasons for PLKN 3.0 absentism
KOTA TINGGI: Around 30 per cent of participants from the first two series of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 failed to report for training due to various reasons, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the main reasons cited were health issues and offers to pursue higher education. "So far, each series of PLKN 3.0 has recorded an absentee rate of about 10 to 15 per cent, mostly due to valid reasons such as illness or having just offered a university placement. He said this to reporters after attending the opening ceremony of the Kembara Lestari Kota Tinggi with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) at Felda Lok Heng Barat here today. Khaled said PLKN 3.0 is still in the trial phase, with full implementation expected to begin next year. The programme, which maintains a 45-day training period, has received positive feedback from participants, particularly on the military training elements, which were deemed effective in instilling discipline and building identity. "Participants from the previous two series gave good feedback and requested that the military training content be improved," he said. PLKN 3.0 Series 1/2025 was held at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Kuala Lumpur for 45 days, from Jan 12 to Feb 25. Series 2/2025 ran from May 11 to June 24, while Series 3 will take place from Sept 7 to Oct 21 at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp and the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Pekan, Pahang.
The Star
7 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Health issues, study commitments among reasons 30% skip PLKN 3.0, says Mohamed Khaled
KOTA TINGGI: Around 30% of participants from the first two series of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 failed to report for training due to various reasons, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the main reasons cited were health issues and offers to pursue higher education. "So far, each series of PLKN 3.0 has recorded an absentee rate of about 10% to 15%, mostly due to valid reasons such as illness or having just offered a university placement. He said this to reporters after attending the opening ceremony of the Kembara Lestari Kota Tinggi with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) at Felda Lok Heng Barat here on Thursday (July 17). Mohamed Khaled said PLKN 3.0 is still in the trial phase, with full implementation expected to begin next year. The programme, which maintains a 45-day training period, has received positive feedback from participants, particularly on the military training elements, which were deemed effective in instilling discipline and building identity. "Participants from the previous two series gave good feedback and requested that the military training content be improved," he said. PLKN 3.0 Series 1/2025 was held at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Kuala Lumpur for 45 days, from Jan 12 to Feb 25. Series 2/2025 ran from May 11 to June 24, while Series 3 will take place from Sept 7 to Oct 21 at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp and the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Pekan, Pahang. - Bernama
The Sun
7 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Health and study reasons why 30% skip PLKN 3.0
KOTA TINGGI: Around 30 per cent of participants in the first two series of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 did not attend training, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He stated that health concerns and higher education opportunities were the primary reasons for their absence. Mohamed Khaled explained, 'So far, each series of PLKN 3.0 has recorded an absentee rate of about 10 to 15 per cent, mostly due to valid reasons such as illness or having just offered a university placement.' He shared these details after attending the Kembara Lestari Kota Tinggi event with Universiti Malaysia Pahang Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) in Felda Lok Heng Barat. PLKN 3.0 remains in its trial phase, with full implementation expected next year. The programme retains a 45-day training period and has received positive feedback, particularly on its military training components. 'Participants from the previous two series gave good feedback and requested that the military training content be improved,' he added. The first series of PLKN 3.0 was held at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Kuala Lumpur from January 12 to February 25, while the second series ran from May 11 to June 24. The third series is scheduled from September 7 to October 21 at camps in Kuala Lumpur and Pekan, Pahang. - Bernama
Barnama
7 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
Health Issues, Study Commitments Among Reasons 30 Pct Skip PLKN 3.0
KOTA TINGGI, July 17 (Bernama) -- Around 30 per cent of participants from the first two series of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 failed to report for training due to various reasons, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the main reasons cited were health issues and offers to pursue higher education. 'So far, each series of PLKN 3.0 has recorded an absentee rate of about 10 to 15 per cent, mostly due to valid reasons such as illness or having just offered a university placement.
The Star
25-06-2025
- General
- The Star
NURTURING PATRIOTISM AND UNITY
IN AN era where screens often dictate connections and global narratives intertwine with local identities, Malaysia aims to rekindle a sense of national pride and unity. The return of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) marks a strategic move to imbue the next generation with the core values essential for Malaysia's progress and resilience. Mejar-Jeneral Datuk Ya'cob Samiran, the National Service Training Department (JLKN) director general, shared that the decision to reinstate the programme comes at a time when traditional notions of community and shared national identity face unprecedented challenges from a digitally saturated world. He said while technology bridges distances, it can inadvertently foster insular echo chambers, making the cultivation of genuine togetherness and unwavering patriotism a pressing national imperative. 'Today, all over the world, we are seeing a generational change where many people are glued to their gadgets. The influence of technology has changed the way people live and created a generation that has 'unbothered' attitudes,' he said. 'That's why bringing back PLKN is so important, so we can nurture a generation of leaders that is more disciplined and responsible, and has a sense of patriotism and nationalism.' The government's renewed commitment to PLKN is rooted in the belief that these values, often intangible and difficult to quantify, are the bedrock of a harmonious and progressive society. The reinstated programme, called PLKN 3.0, kicked off earlier this year on Jan 12 after a seven- year suspension. A total of 116 volunteer trainees, aged 17 to 25, participated in Series 1/2025. Series 2/2025 took place from May 11 to June 24, with a total of 444 trainees participating, comprising selected individuals and volunteers. The third series will be held from Sept 7 till Oct 21. Revamped modules Mej Jen Ya'cob explained that PLKN 3.0's structure was developed based on public feedback from several studies by local universities and the Defence Ministry's think-tank, the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (Midas). 'The new training modules comprise 30% nation-building and 70% basic military training,' he said. 'The nation-building modules focus on three core principles: patriotism, volunteerism and unity. Conversely, the military- based training emphasises instilling core values like discipline, punctuality, organisation and independence. 'This new structure encompasses a four-phased approach, ensuring continuous engagement with national service principles from school up to adulthood.' Phase 1, known as pre-PLKN, is an introductory phase for Form 4 students, serving as a preparatory programme integrated into the school curriculum to familiarise them with PLKN 3.0. Phase 2 involves the nation-building and basic military training. Those who complete this phase will be officially recognised as members of the National Service Force (AKN). In phase 3, AKN members will proceed to specialised training, organised by various government agencies. This phase will equip members with skills and knowledge to perform volunteer duties, contributing to national needs and community service. Finally, in Phase 4, AKN members will act as volunteers to assist government agencies and ministries, to demonstrate their commitment and readiness to serve the nation in times of need. Changing misconceptions Addressing past concerns regarding trainee well-being, Mej Jen Ya'cob highlighted enhanced safety measures, including comprehensive CCTV surveillance. 'We have over 50 cameras in each camp to monitor the trainees around the clock,' he said. 'Trainees are also allowed to bring their handphones with them into camp, and can video call their parents or loved ones during their free time. This way, parents can see what the conditions are like in camp, getting rid of any anxiety they may have.' He added that male and female trainees are also separated to prevent any social issues arising. Currently, two main camps are being utilised. 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. Beyond training, PLKN 3.0 also aims to be more flexible, providing pathways for trainees to pursue their education and careers, both during and post-training. Recognising the diverse aspirations and academic commitments of youth, the flexible module system allows participants – particularly those pursuing higher education, vocational training or careers in national safety – to integrate national service seamlessly into their schedules without disrupting their studies. This flexibility is critical in ensuring broad participation and minimising potential conflicts with educational pathways, addressing a key concern from previous iterations. Mej Jen Ya'cob shared that numerous trainees from Series 2/2025 were allowed to leave the camp to attend potential job or study placement interviews. 'After completing the second phase, trainees are allowed to choose whether to carry on with their training, further their studies or jump into their careers, and we will help to facilitate wherever we can,' he said. 'This way, their time in the training camps will not be wasted and they won't have to 'start from scratch'. 'We are not trying to hold them back. The purpose of PLKN is to train them to face future challenges with confidence and shape them into useful citizens who can contribute to the country and safeguard the nation.' For info, visit
