PLKN 3.0 training Not As Tough, Trainees Need Not Fear - JLKN

TUARAN, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The perception that the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) involves tough military-style training is inaccurate and trainees should not be afraid to join the programme, said National Service Training Department (JLKN) Trainee Management Division director Col Mazlizan Shaikh Osman.

He said military elements incorporated into the training made up less than 10 per cent, and the programme instead focuses more on exposure to physical endurance activities and character development.

“The training is not as tough as military training, but we provide exposure to activities such as obstacle courses, abseiling from towers, navigation, survival skills and handling M16 rifles,” he told reporters during the PLKN 3.0 Series 4/2026 registration session at the Sabah RELA Training Centre Camp here today.

The training also incorporates special modules from various agencies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Home Ministry (KDN) and Akademi Kepimpinan Malaysia.

He said the programme was a government initiative aimed at fostering patriotism, unity, discipline and resilience among youths, who are the future leaders.

Mazlizan said results from six previous training series showed that over 80 per cent of trainees agreed that the programme had a positive impact, while over 90 per cent of parents gave very positive feedback.

On registration at the Sabah RELA Training Centre Camp, he said 165 male and 80 female trainees were scheduled to join the 45-day training programme, which will end with a passing-out parade on Nov 16.

He said the camp was the only one in Borneo and housed male and female trainees at the same premises, while the other seven camps nationwide separated trainees according to gender.

He said the initial registration phase encompasses camp administrative matters, distribution of clothing and haircuts for male trainees, who are expected to have their hair cut three times throughout the training period.

On the selection process, Mazlizan said trainees born in 2008 were selected randomly through a balloting system under the National Service Training Act 2003, although deferment applications were allowed for those pursuing further studies or had valid reasons.

He added that voluntary registration was also open to youths aged 17 to 25, including those holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

He said trainess who complete the programme will receive special merit from five appointing authorities when applying for positions in the Public Service Commission (SPA), Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), judicial and legal fields and the education sector.

“For trainees who are less academicaly inclined, they will be channelled to Technical and Vocational Education adnd Training (TVET) institutions according to their interests to further their studies,” he added.

A Career Exploration Programme will also be held throughout the training period, with government agencies, uniformed bodies, SPA and the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) invited to provide trainees with exposure to career opportunities.

-- BERNAMA