A place for lifelong skills and comrades

We did it: Trainees from the first batch of PLKN 3.0 posing for a group photo at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Kuala Lumpur.— Bernama

PLKN 3.0 over too soon for me, says one trainee

KUALA LUMPUR: Trainee Wong Wei Pin describes his participation in the National Service Trai­ning Programme (PLKN) 3.0 as a valuable experience but feels that it ended too soon.

The 20-year-old from Kuala Sela­ngor, who aspires to be a military commando, said a three-month programme would have been better given the valuable experiences to be gained from the training programme. The PLKN 3.0 camp is held for 45 days.

“It has been the best experience of my life, given my huge interest in the military.

“I was studying law when the opportunity to join PLKN 3.0 came about.

“I jumped at the chance to join as I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said when met after the end-of-training ceremony for the first batch of PLKN 3.0 trainees yesterday.

Wong said his favourite part of the programme was basic military training, including abseiling and weapons training.

“The first week was the hardest as I was still getting used to the schedule but after the second week, it was smooth sailing.

“I loved the marching drill and weapons training as my ultimate ambition is to become a commando,” he said.

Overall, there was a sense of camaraderie among the trainees, Wong said.

All fired up: (From left) Muhammad Zulirfan Mustaqim, Ivy Nurshafica Amaynie and Wong.

“The other trainees and I will be comrades for life,” he added.

For 24-year-old Orang Asli trainee Ivy Nurshafica Amaynie, the programme helped boost her self-confidence.

“I enjoyed using the M16 rifle during weapons training. In fact, I was one of the best shooters.

“Other modules also enhanced my skills, especially when speaking publicly.

“I also feel that my mental toughness has increased after overcoming training obstacles, especially the ones that required us to climb a two-metre-tall wall.”

Ivy, who previously worked in the security sector, said she was also grateful for the other skills taught such as jungle trekking and hiking.

“Now I know that I will be able to handle it myself if I ever get lost in the jungle,” she quipped.

Meanwhile, the support of his family drove 18-year-old Muham­mad Zulirfan Mustaqim Mohd Zukri to join PLKN 3.0.

“I also hope to become a military personnel one day, so this programme is a good stepping stone for a possible military career.

“PLKN 3.0 is good as it builds character and discipline,” he said.