KUALA LUMPUR: The first batch of National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 trainees successfully completed their 45-day training, says Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.
He said 116 trainees - 73 men and 43 women - aged between 18 and 25, completed the programme on Tuesday (Feb 25).
"Since Jan 12, the trainees have undergone various modules consisting of aspects of nationhood and military training.
"We feel it was a success as the first batch consisted of volunteers from various backgrounds and ethnicity," he told a press conference after attending the ceremony marking the end of training of the first batch of NS 3.0 trainees today.
Adly said he was confident the young trainees will be able to forge a better future based on the skills and experiences they picked up from the programme.
"It is a very good beginning for them and I hope they will be able to become better individuals and a good example to the younger generation.
"The module’s combination of 30% nationhood and 70% military (training) is the right combination and the trainees have undergone it well,", he said.
While 116 trainees completed the programme, four others did not manage to do so, Adly said.
"One of them got accepted into a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution, another got chosen to represent the country in a silat competition while two others had health complications.
"The wellbeing and health of the trainees are always our priority," he said.
For the most part, the programme for the first batch of trainees was a success, he added.
"However, we will look at areas that can be improved upon including the infrastructure of the camps hosting the programme.
"We will also ensure sufficient uniforms for the trainees," he added.
Some 1,000 trainees will take part in the second and third batch of the programme that will be starting in May, of which trainees will be chosen.
"500 trainees will take part in the second batch (of the programme) that will be held from May 11 till June 24 while 500 others will take part in the third one that will be held from Sept 7 till Oct 21.
"However, we will also consider those who wish to volunteer for the programme," he said.
Among others who attended the event were JLKN director-general Mej-Jen Datuk Ya'cob Samiran and other military officers.
NS 3.0, now in its latest iteration, has been revamped into a more holistic and transformative initiative, aimed at developing human capital.
The first and second batch of trainees will train at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp while the third programme will be held at the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Pekan, Pahang.
