Enforcement Action Not Main Approach To Address PLKN 3.0 Absenteeism - Adly

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- The Defence Ministry does not rely primarily on enforcement to address absenteeism among National Service Training Programme 3.0 (PLKN 3.0) participants, instead opting for more effective approaches that raise awareness and cultivate interest.

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said participants cited health issues, studies and job commitments as among the reasons for their absence and that the ministry would continue to engage with them to address the matter.

He said PLKN 3.0 prioritised providing space and opportunities for the younger generation to join the programme based on their readiness and ability, in line with its flexible and phased implementation.

“For example, in the second series of PLKN 3.0, some of those who were absent have expressed readiness to take part in the third series. We are adopting an awareness-based approach and working to resolve the related issues.

“The approach of using the Act (National Service Training Act) is a last resort. As long as we can still have discussions and raise awareness, I believe that should be our priority,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said this in response to a supplementary question from Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH–Ledang) on the issue of absenteeism among PLKN 3.0 participants.

According to Adly, as of July, two training series had been conducted involving 560 trainees, from the total target of 1,200 participants for 2025.

He added that 116 trainees participated in the first series and 444 in the second, while the third series, scheduled for September, is expected to involve 640 participants.

Meanwhile, responding to a question from Nordin Ahmad Ismail (PN–Lumut) on employment opportunities for Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans with the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), Adly said the government was looking into the proposal.

He said the ministry had previously targeted at least 30 per cent involvement of MAF veterans in the defence industry sector as part of efforts to safeguard their welfare.

“There have been discussions with the Home Ministry. We are looking into it so that ATM veterans can be involved in the process,” he said.

--BERNAMA