However, the Pakatan Harapan government abruptly removed the program in August 2018, with Mian Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, the then-regime’s youth and athletics minister, claiming that it had been used to stifle some ideas.
The next iteration of the National Service Training Program, known as PLKN 3.0, will now be available through a captain task involving 200 people who are willing to apply for the program between the ages of 18 and 20.  ,
Beginning on Sunday ( Jan 12 ), the program will last 45 days at a territorial army camp in Kuala Lumpur.  ,
Before fully implementing it the following month, it may move on to the next stage with 500 different volunteers in July.  ,
While there have been calling by many including a political special select committee to not go forward with the program, activists for PLKN 3.0 say that it is one that creates loyalty, unity, and control among Malaysia’s students.  ,
Execution NOT Clean
Saifuddin Abdullah, the head of a political specific find council on Nation Building, Education, and Human Resources Development, stated in a media conference last month that the government should stop funding the program.  ,
However, Saifuddin urged for more research to be conducted as PLKN 3.0’s existing implementation strategy was unclear, if the authorities proceed with it.  ,
Because of the shortcomings of the earlier national service programs, there are no clear goals. If it wants to continue, it should be defense or semi-military. It must be done effectively if we want to do it.  ,
” No like how it is suggested now. However, if we implement the defense program, issues will arise if we actually need it. Do we think different nations are in need of these programs? “he said.
In the region, Singapore and Thailand have regional support programs that are mostly military-focused.  ,
Every adult citizen who is able to function in the uniform services and is a permanent resident of Singapore is required to do so for two years.  ,
However, in Thailand, boys reaching the age of 18 are required to enlist in the military. When they turn 21 years old, they become available for recruitment if they do not volunteers. Finally, they must take part in an April lottery.  ,
Those who do not hold a high school diploma are required to provide for a month, whereas those who have done so are required to do so for two years.  ,
Saifuddin said that Malaysia’s package for PLKN 3.0- 70 per cent war and 30 per cent regional education- were similar to the previous iterations of the programme.  ,
He claimed that even within the military modules, which included topics like Technical and Vocational Education and Training ( TVET ), a sizable portion of the curriculum lacked a direct military focus.  ,
” This is also taught in various educational schools. What justifies spending money on the same thing? As for national education, it is already taught comprehensively in history ( classes ) in schools, “he said, claiming that based on multiple studies, the programme did not yield any enduring positive outcomes for its participants.  ,
Saifuddin pointed out that the cost of holding national service was another obstacle, noting that the Malaysian government had previously spent RM500 million ( US$ 111 million ) annually on the program.
The second national service’s target is greater than the first two. It is possible the actual program in 2026 will need a bigger budget, “he said.  ,
Other issues regarding regional service revolve around safety issues, including abuse, sexual abuse, and fighting.  ,
Until 2013, there had been 23 reported incidents in the national company.  ,
In the past, the program has also been hampered by, among other things, situations of food poisoning and subpar safe conditions at training camps.