After a seven-year suspension, the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 has successfully concluded its first 45-day training phase. Designed to cultivate discipline, patriotism, and civic responsibility among Malaysian youth, the programme is now gearing up for its second and third cohorts, scheduled to run from 11th May to 24th June and 7th September to 21st October, respectively.
Participant Selection: A Mix of Random Draw and Voluntary Applications
According to Major General Datuk Ya'cob Samiran, Director-General of the National Service Department, participants for the upcoming sessions will be chosen through a random selection process. Additionally, voluntary applications are accepted, with a total of 1,000 trainees expected to participate. These individuals will be divided into two groups of 500 each, with male and female trainees undergoing separate 45-day training sessions.
Trainees will be stationed at either the 515 Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Kuala Lumpur or the 505 Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Pekan, Pahang, where they will engage in both physical training and educational activities.
Enlistment Notifications and Exemption Guidelines
Confirmed trainees will receive enlistment notifications via email and phone in April and August, depending on their assigned training batch. To finalise their participation, trainees must confirm their attendance through a return letter.
Exemptions from participation will only be granted under specific conditions, such as medical issues or overseas commitments. The Ministry of Defence has emphasised that all exemption requests will be subject to strict review to ensure compliance with national policies.
Training Breakdown: Military and Civic Education
PLKN 3.0 has been structured in accordance with the National Service Act 2003, incorporating both military training and civic education to create a balanced and impactful experience for trainees. The training is divided as follows:
- 70% Military Training – Trainees will undergo intensive physical fitness conditioning, marching drills, navigation exercises, and personal weapons training. This segment aims to build discipline, resilience, and self-confidence while improving overall physical endurance.
- 30% Civic Education – The remaining portion of the programme focuses on nation-building subjects, including Malaysian history, political systems, and multiculturalism. These lessons are designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the country's diverse heritage and the responsibilities of Malaysian citizens.
By integrating these elements, the programme seeks to enhance national defence awareness, instil patriotism, and equip trainees with essential life skills, ensuring they emerge as responsible and resilient individuals.
High Satisfaction Rate Among First Cohort Trainees
As the programme progresses, feedback from the first cohort provides valuable insight into its effectiveness. More than 80% of trainees from the first cohort of PLKN 3.0 for 2025 have expressed satisfaction with the programme's implementation.
According to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, this figure is based on feedback reports gathered from participants.
“The second cohort, set to begin in May, will involve around 550 male and female trainees. While the first cohort consisted entirely of voluntary participants, the second phase will introduce a conditional conscription system. The full-scale mandatory national service will only be implemented next year,” he explained.
He shared these remarks during a press conference following his working visit to the Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) at the Royal Malaysian Navy Base in Lumut.
The first phase of PLKN 3.0, which began in January, saw the participation of 116 volunteers from across the country. Throughout the programme, they received training based on a 30% nation-building module and 70% basic military training, equipping them with both civic knowledge and military discipline.
A Renewed Vision for National Youth Development
The successful relaunch of PLKN 3.0 marks a significant step forward in Malaysia’s commitment to youth development and national service. By combining military discipline with civic education, the programme aspires to produce a new generation of strong, responsible, and patriotic Malaysians.
With its structured approach and emphasis on both physical and intellectual growth, PLKN 3.0 is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders of Malaysia.
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