ALOR GAJAH: Preparations for the first phase of the National Service Training Programme 3.0, set to begin on Jan 12, 2025, are fully completed, says Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.
He said that the preparations for the programme, which would involve 200 male trainees who are Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Transit Camp in Kuala Lumpur, included camp facilities, trainers, training modules and administrative work.
"We are just waiting for the programme to begin in January or February. Most of (the preparations) are focused on meeting trainees' needs, including travel costs – which will be borne by the government – as well as food, drinks and daily necessities like clothing.
"This is a free training programme and we hope that after 45 days at the training camp, trainees will develop stronger identities, greater confidence and better life skills," he told reporters after attending a zakat presentation ceremony in Kampung Bukit Senggeh here on Friday (Dec 20).
The Alor Gajah MP said the programme in January would serve as a trial run before being expanded to the next phase in June, involving students from higher learning institutions.
Adly also said the Defence Ministry had no plans to pay participants an allowance as all costs, including transportation are covered by the government. – Bernama
