PLKN 3.0 may not involve schoolkids, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 may not involve school-going children, says Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.

The Defence Minister’s comment comes after taking into account worries expressed by parents that school-going teens would have to endure harsh military-like training.

“It may not involve those who are in school, but maybe school leavers. We are weighing all matters and have also taken note of such worries and will tailor the programme according to age,” he told a press conference in Parliament yesterday.

He was asked to comment on worries expressed by some parents that their children will have to undergo harsh military training as part of PLKN 3.0.

Recent reports highlight concerns raised by parents and stakeholders, including bullying, sexual harassment, and racially motivated fights.

Under the initial proposal, the first phase of the programme would involve Form Four students and would be geared towards uniformed co-curricular activities, such as those related to the police, firefighters and scouts.

In the second phase, participants will undergo 45 days of training, 90% of which will involve basic military training, while the remainder will focus on nation-building.

“We haven’t finalised it yet and are still discussing the matter,” said Khaled.

He added that the programme would be divided into two components, namely nationalism and the military.

“The curriculum on nationalism will be discussed with the National Unity Ministry.

“This is because it will involve elements of unity and community-based matters, which are our focus.

“The military aspect of the programme will be done by the Defence Ministry,” he said.

He ruled out that PLKN 3.0 will be implemented this year, although a member of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Security said a pilot project may kick off this year.