MLKN: Negative perception of National Service must be changed
PEKAN: Efforts must be made to counter the negative perception of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN), and parents have a role to play in promoting their children's involvement, said Jeneral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Zainal.
The National Service Training Council (MLKN) chairman said those who join the programme would benefit in many ways, particularly in shaping a strong personal identity.
In addition, he said the programme offers added value to trainees as it includes basic military training while assuring parents that their children's welfare would be well taken care of throughout the 45-day period.
'All their needs are taken care of throughout the programme, with RM3,150 allocated per trainee, not including travel expenses. I hope parents will help raise awareness and encourage their children. PLKN seeks to guide them in the right direction.
'Those who do not want to join may still be affected by past stigma. Forget the past; the current programme brings benefits and has been improved for the better,' he said at a press conference after the PLKN 3.0 Series 2/2025 Passing-Out Parade yesterday, Bernama reported.
Abdul Aziz said more than RM400mil had been allocated to make the programme a success, including improvements to camp facilities to ensure a more comfortable training environment for the trainees.
A total of 257 male trainees completed the training, which began on May 11 at the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp here, with Bartholomew Thierry Timothy from Papar, Sabah, named the best trainee.
For Timothy, 18, being away from his family for 45 days proved worthwhile when he was selected as the best trainee, adding that PLKN had instilled discipline and punctuality in him.
The third of four siblings, who will pursue a foundation in science at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), said the nationalism module and basic military training had contributed to building his identity as a quality Malaysian with a more positive outlook.
'It's an honour to be chosen as the best trainee. In the beginning, I had trouble adjusting, especially with punctuality, but I've improved and become a more confident person,' he said.
Zarimi Isa, 50, a former soldier and father of trainee Muhammad Hakim, 20, said parents should not hesitate to send their children for the programme, which he described as highly beneficial.
'Don't listen to the negative comments about PLKN. It's a good programme for the younger generation, and with the training lasting just 45 days, I think it's still relevant,' said the father of five.
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The Star
a day ago
- 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
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
MLKN: Negative perception of National Service must be changed
PEKAN: Efforts must be made to counter the negative perception of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN), and parents have a role to play in promoting their children's involvement, said Jeneral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Zainal. The National Service Training Council (MLKN) chairman said those who join the programme would benefit in many ways, particularly in shaping a strong personal identity. In addition, he said the programme offers added value to trainees as it includes basic military training while assuring parents that their children's welfare would be well taken care of throughout the 45-day period. 'All their needs are taken care of throughout the programme, with RM3,150 allocated per trainee, not including travel expenses. I hope parents will help raise awareness and encourage their children. PLKN seeks to guide them in the right direction. 'Those who do not want to join may still be affected by past stigma. Forget the past; the current programme brings benefits and has been improved for the better,' he said at a press conference after the PLKN 3.0 Series 2/2025 Passing-Out Parade yesterday, Bernama reported. Abdul Aziz said more than RM400mil had been allocated to make the programme a success, including improvements to camp facilities to ensure a more comfortable training environment for the trainees. A total of 257 male trainees completed the training, which began on May 11 at the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp here, with Bartholomew Thierry Timothy from Papar, Sabah, named the best trainee. For Timothy, 18, being away from his family for 45 days proved worthwhile when he was selected as the best trainee, adding that PLKN had instilled discipline and punctuality in him. The third of four siblings, who will pursue a foundation in science at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), said the nationalism module and basic military training had contributed to building his identity as a quality Malaysian with a more positive outlook. 'It's an honour to be chosen as the best trainee. In the beginning, I had trouble adjusting, especially with punctuality, but I've improved and become a more confident person,' he said. Zarimi Isa, 50, a former soldier and father of trainee Muhammad Hakim, 20, said parents should not hesitate to send their children for the programme, which he described as highly beneficial. 'Don't listen to the negative comments about PLKN. It's a good programme for the younger generation, and with the training lasting just 45 days, I think it's still relevant,' said the father of five.
Barnama
3 days ago
- Barnama
Efforts Must Be Made To Change Public Perception Of PLKN
PEKAN, June 24 (Bernama) -- Efforts must be made to counter the negative perception of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN), and parents have a role to play in promoting their children's involvement, said National Service Training Council (MLKN) chairman General (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Zainal. He said that those who joined the programme would benefit in many ways, particularly in helping them shape a strong personal identity. In addition, Abdul Aziz said the programme offered added value to trainees, as it included basic military training, while assuring parents that their children's welfare would be well taken care of throughout the 45-day period. 'All their needs were taken care of throughout the programme, with RM3,150 allocated per trainee, not including travel expenses. I hope parents will help raise awareness and encourage their children. PLKN seeks to guide them in the right direction. 'Those who do not want to join may still be affected by past stigma. Forget the past; the current programme brings benefits and has been improved for the better,' he said at a press conference after the PLKN 3.0 Series 2/2025 Passing-Out Parade here today. A total of 257 male trainees completed the training, which began on May 11 at the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp here, with Bartholomew Thierry Timothy from Papar, Sabah, named the best trainee. Abdul Aziz further said more than RM400 million had been allocated to make the programme a success, including improvements to camp facilities to ensure a more comfortable training environment for the trainees. For Bartholomew Thierry, 18, being away from his family for 45 days proved worthwhile when he was selected as the best trainee, adding that PLKN had instilled discipline and punctuality in him. The third of four siblings who will pursue a foundation in science at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), said the nationalism module and basic military training had contributed to building his identity as a quality Malaysian with a more positive outlook.
