KUCHING: The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 will be implemented in Sarawak at the Regiment 511 of the Territorial Army (AW) camp beginning next year.
In a news report by TVS, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said PLKN 3.0 is being reintroduced with several key conditions, applying to all Malaysian citizens and permanent residents.
“In addition, trainees must be at least 16 years old and not older than 35, and they must be physically and mentally fit to participate in the various activities planned throughout the programme,” he was quoted as saying at the Dewan Rakyat today (Feb 4).
He was responding to a question from Ahmad Johnie Zawawi (Gabungan Parti Sarawak – Igan), who inquired about the proposed implementation of PLKN 3.0 in Sarawak, the selection criteria for trainees, and the training modules used.
Mohamed Khaled said the trainee selection would be conducted through conditional conscription and would be open to those who meet the criteria set by the PLKN implementing body.
On the training modules, he said PLKN 3.0 is designed with an approach that combines 70 per cent basic military training and 30 per cent nation-building components.
“This combination aims to shape a young generation that is disciplined, resilient, patriotic, and possesses a strong sense of civic awareness,” he was quoted as saying.
He then hoped that the implementation of PLKN 3.0 would produce a generation better prepared to face challenges and play their role as responsible citizens.