KUALA LUMPUR: The National Service Training Programme 3.0 pilot project will begin in June and July next year, says Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the project would involve two out of 13 military camps nationwide.
ALSO READ: NS 3.0 to exclude school-going teens, assures defence minister
“1,000 participants are targeted for this project. The camps will also be segregated based on gender,” he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (July 10).
Khaled pointed out that the Defence, Higher Education and Education Ministries have finalised the training module drafts.
He said the national service programme would first be introduced in schools in a pre-National Service Training Programme phase.
“This involves Form 4 students during curriculum periods,” he said.
Following this, basic national service training would begin, where selected students aged 17 and above will undergo training at 13 military camps nationwide, 20 public universities, and several polytechnics.
“This phase encompasses nationhood modules (30%) and basic military training (70%),” he said.
ALSO READ: NS pilot programme to take off
Khaled said the basic national service training at military camps would begin in April 2026.
Meanwhile, national service training in public universities would begin during the 2026/2027 academic intake.
He explained that the module, developed by the Higher Education Ministry, included elements of patriotism and unity.
The Defence Ministry, meanwhile, is developing basic military training, in which participants would be trained to be disciplined, punctual, organised, and independent.
“Participants also have the opportunity to further their training according to their fields of interest,” said Khaled.
He said discussions were also held on whether technical and vocational training should be included within the National Service Training Programme.
Khaled was responding to Zahari Kechik (PN-Jeli) and Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), who asked about the status of the revised national service programme.
