
Patriotic twins who desire disciplined life sign up for national service in Pahang
PEKAN: A desire to live a disciplined life and undergo military-style training has drawn a pair of twins to sign up for the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 here.
Ieuseuf Hafiz Mohd Suki, 19, and his twin brother Ieahiea Hasif, who hail from Selangor, signed up for the 45-day programme at 505th Regiment Camp in Sungai Miang here with eagerness to serve their stint.
"I can't wait to go through the jungle training, abseiling lessons and shooting drills at the range. These are the kind of activities usually reserved for security personnel," said Ieuseuf.
Having been involved in outdoor and extreme sports before, he said he had taken a break for some time and saw PLKN as a chance to test both his physical and mental limits.
For Ieahiea, the programme was not just about thrills, but a chance to deepen his love for the country.
"I'm proud to join this programme voluntarily. My brother and I received strong encouragement from our mother, Iswalah Arshad, which gave us even more motivation.
"After this, we plan to pursue our studies. But for now, I'm looking forward to learning new things during this 45-day stint, especially the opportunity to handle firearms," he said.
The twins were among 206 male trainees from across the country who reported for duty at the camp from as early as 8am today, many accompanied by supportive family members.
The camp, which can accommodate up to 350 participants, with more expected to sign up in the coming day or two.
National Service Training Department (JLKM) deputy director-general (Training) Brigadier-General Zainudin Bahari said the participants included those selected for mandatory service as well as volunteers.
He said the programme aimed to instil patriotism, national unity and resilience among Malaysian youth, preparing them for the challenges of life through both physical and mental training.
"This second intake includes 19 participants from Sabah and Sarawak. Some have arrived while the rest will be picked up by JLKM from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
"Those who were called up but failed to attend without valid reasons may face legal action as decided by the courts," he said after inspecting the registration process at the camp.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
30 minutes ago
- The Star
‘Children in high-rises need space for recreation'
Richard says authorities here should emulate South Korea by encouraging developers to ensure their projects are children-friendly. ENSURING adequate play space could help curb the alarming increase in the number of children falling from balconies and windows at strata residences. This may include building and upgrading playgrounds, as well as organising community programmes for children to release pent-up energy. A 2021 article in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlighted that children living in high-density urban housing with limited access to outdoor areas are more likely to engage in unsafe play behaviours. To promote safe physical activities among children, it suggested having playgrounds within walking distance of residences. Richard Kishore Joseph, the international travel and learning coordinator for Malaysia-based Dignity for Children Foundation, said many children living in high-rises, especially those at public housing flats, often lacked space and activities to fill their free time. Richard says authorities here should emulate South Korea by encouraging developers to ensure their projects are children-friendly. 'When children don't have access to play spaces, they will treat balconies, corridors and stairwells as their playground. 'So why are we shocked when tragedy strikes,' he said, when asked to comment on recent cases of children falling to their deaths from strata residences. Richard added that Malaysian authorities could emulate South Korea by encouraging developers to ensure their projects are children-friendly. 'In Seoul, for instance, there's a push towards child-friendly cities where urban planning includes play zones within walking distance of every housing area. 'Local councils can provide further support by sending mobile toy libraries to selected neighbourhoods,' he added. More children are growing up at high-rises and low-cost flats as land becomes scarcer, especially in urban areas. — Filepic Echoing similar sentiments, mother of two V. Naidu, 46, said children needed outdoor exposure every now and then. 'Those living in high-rises may feel cooped up and balconies are the only place they get to enjoy fresh air,' she said. Mother of three Siti Sabariah Hamid, 41, said raising her children in her two-bedroom flats meant there was limited space. 'I have to let them play in the corridors. 'The government should consider requiring developers to provide a certain minimum floor space when building their projects,' she said. — By FARID WAHAB


The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Embassy hosts Aidiladha celebration for Malaysians in Bangkok
- Photo: Malaysian Embassy in Thailand BANGKOK: (Bernama) The Embassy of Malaysia in Thailand hosted a gathering for Malaysians abroad and local guests on Saturday (June 6) to mark this year's Hari Raya Aidiladha. Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of Malaysia to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui, said while Aidiladha signified the values of sacrifice, devotion, and unity among Muslims worldwide, it also solemnly reflected to the duty and dedication carried out by the mission, in upholding Malaysia's interests overseas. The embassy also welcomed a visiting delegation from the Royal Military College (RMC), comprising 32 Putera cadets and five officers at the celebration. The delegation, led by its Commandant, Brig Gen Shaiful Azuar Ariffin, is currently in Bangkok for a one-week student exchange programme with Thailand's Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School (AFAPS). Bong noted that the visit offered RMC students a unique opportunity to experience Hari Raya celebration away from their families and friends. "The celebration served not only as a religious gathering but also as a meaningful occasion to strengthen the bonds among Malaysians in Thailand,' he added. - Bernama


The Star
17 hours ago
- The Star
Kadazan man told not 'Malaysian enough' to rent room in Puchong
KOTA KINABALU: When Kinney Junior Clarence applied to rent a room in Bukit Puchong, he anticipated the usual questions from agents, such as location, job, budget, and race. What the 37-year-old customer service specialist from Sabah did not expect was to be indirectly told that he was not "Malaysian enough." Clarence, who has lived and worked in the Klang Valley for about five years, shared a conversation on Threads that left many netizens both amused and annoyed. He had applied for a room via a rental site and, as per routine, filled in his details, listing his ethnicity as Kadazan. To his surprise, the property agent replied that the unit was "reserved for local Malaysians only." "I was stunned. I replied, 'Kadazan is Sabahan, sister! I'm Malaysian too," Kinney told The Star. Despite his explanation, he said the agent never responded after that. Rather than getting angry, Clarence chose to laugh it off. "It was funny and a bit infuriating at the same time, because it is such a basic thing. Kadazan is not even a rare ethnicity. Imagine if I had mentioned some of the lesser-known races in Sabah," he said. Clarence added that this was not the first time he had encountered such ignorance. "People in the peninsula often confuse ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak. Some think Iban is from Sabah, or Kadazan from Sarawak. It is common, but still disappointing," he said. Originally from Penampang, he returned to the Klang Valley to build his career after the Covid-19 pandemic, having previously studied there. He said he was looking for a room in Bukit Puchong simply because it was closer to his office. Fortunately, Kinney has since found a better place, which he described as "closer to work, better, and with no issues like that." His post has since gone viral, receiving over 1,700 likes and 298 comments, many from fellow East Malaysians sharing similar experiences. One Sarawakian said the issue extended beyond house hunting, recounting job interviews where she was told, "Sorry, we only hire Malaysians at the moment." Another recalled being welcomed to "Malaysia" by fellow university students on her first day of class, despite being from Sabah. One commenter from rural Sarawak joked that as a Kenyah, they were mistaken for someone from East Africa's Kenya. Others questioned how such confusion could still happen, with one suggesting the agent "retake her History and Geography papers." Despite the humour, Clarence hopes Malaysians, especially in Peninsular Malaysia, will make more effort to understand the country's cultural and ethnic diversity. "Come on lah, it's 2025. We should not still be asking if someone from Sabah is Malaysian," he said.