SUNGAI PETANI: The National Service Training Programme, scheduled to start in January 2025, will only involve those who have taken the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, says Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.
He said there were concerns among the public over the age of participants who will be selected for the programme.
"Our focus next year is on those who have taken the SPM. Those who can't attend due to various constraints can still do so until 35... this is in accordance with the (National Service Training) Act.
"The misunderstanding is about how the intake is done. They (the public) say at 30 they are already working but there's no issue... The Act gives some leeway," he said after attending the Kedah, Perlis and Penang state-level Malaysian Armed Forces Veteran Entrepreneurs Empowerment Programme here on Sunday (Oct 27).
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Adly said that from January 2025, a total of 1,000 participants will be involved in National Service, placed in two training camps.
"We have improved the training modules. What is important is that when they leave the National Service programme, they will have a sense of identity and also have the highest level of ability to ensure they succeed in their respective fields," he said.
Meanwhile, regarding allegations about the frequency of foreign ships – especially China – entering the Malaysian waters, Adly said the public need not worry about the country's security and defence capabilities.
"This is normal practice and we have forwarded this information to Parliament that it is part of our bilateral cooperation. Any ship that wants to dock in Malaysia must make an application," he said.
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According to Adly, Malaysia has received visits from countries like the United States, Italy, Germany, Russia and China in October alone.
"We do get (foreign ships arriving) quite frequently, sometimes twice or three times a month. This is Malaysia's practice as a non-aligned nation and we are open to receiving our defence partners as long as they go through the stipulated process," he said.
Earlier, Adly presented the Rural Entrepreneurship Enhancement Support grant worth RM140,000 to 28 MAF veteran entrepreneurs from Kedah, Perlis and Penang involved in businesses like services, electrical, manufacturing, food and retailing.
"So far, 161 MAF veterans have received the grant with a total value of RM805,000.
"I hope they can improve their quality of entrepreneurship in terms of enhancing equipment and productivity to help raise their income," he said. – Bernama
