KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 will be implemented in phases starting in June or July next year with a new concept and format, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
PLKN 3.0 is divided into the Pre PLKN Phase, which involves Form Four students and will be implemented in schools during co-curricular activities, and the Basic PLKN Phase, which involves teenagers aged 17 and above.
Both the Pre PLKN Phase and the pilot project for the Basic PLKN Phase are expected to be introduced as early as June next year.
He was responding to Jeli MP Zahari Kechik's query on the latest status of PLKN 3.0's re-implementation, during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Meanwhile, the actual Basic PLKN Phase, which consists of 30 per cent of the basic modules of nationhood and 70 per cent of military training, is expected to be implemented from April 2026 onwards in 13 Territorial Army (Rejimen Askar Wataniah) camps, 20 public universities, and some selected polytechnics nationwide.
"PLKN trainees are also given the opportunity to undergo advanced training (Advanced Training Phase) according to their field of interest.
"Modules for each training were specifically developed for members of the regular forces, reserve forces and volunteers. The training is intensive, on the field and practical," Khaled said.
He added that to implement the Basic PLKN Phase pilot project, each camp will be limited to one gender only, following recommendations on the matter.
"For the Defence Ministry, we will start a pilot project in two of our 13 Wataniah camps, and it involves 1,000 participants.
"There is indeed a suggestion not to mix (genders for one camp), so we will limit one camp to one gender only," Khaled said.
He was responding to Tampin MP Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa's supplementary question on the measures to overcome the issue of sexual harassment in PLKN camps that was reported earlier.
The minister said that the basic citizenship module was developed by the Higher Education Ministry, containing the Identity Element Citizenship Module, the Love of the Nation Element Citizenship Module, and the Unity Element Citizenship Module.
Meanwhile, the Basic Military Module was developed by the Defence Ministry with the concept of learning through experience and group training, and trainees will be trained to practice the culture of military life, including discipline, punctuality, being organised, and independent.
— Bernama
