First batch of trainees completes stint with flying colours

Good job: Adly handing certificates of appreciation to trainee leaders at the the ceremony marking the end of training for the first batch of PLKN 3.0 at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp. (Below) Family members attending the closing march at the same ceremony. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The first batch of trainees under the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 have successfully completed their 45-day training, says Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.

He said 116 trainees, comprising 73 males and 43 females aged between 18 and 25, completed the programme yesterday.

“Since Jan 12, the trainees have gone through various modules comprising aspects of nationhood and military training.

“We feel the programme was a success as the first batch consisted of volunteers from various backgrounds and ethnicities,” he told a press conference after attending the ceremony marking the end of their training here.

Also present were PLKN director-general Mej-Jen Datuk Ya’cob Samiran and military officers.

Adly said he is confident that the trainees would 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.

“Having 30% nationhood and 70% military modules is the right combination and the trainees have gone through it well,” he said.

However, four trainees did not complete the programme.

“One of them got accepted into a Technical and Vocational Edu­cation and Training institution. Another got chosen to represent the country in a silat competition, while two others had health complications.

“The well-being and health of trainees are always our priority,” he said.

Adly also said several areas of the programme would be improved, including the infrastructure of the camps hosting the training.

“We will also ensure sufficient uniforms for the trainees,” he added.

For the second and third series, some 1,000 participants from across the country are scheduled to take part from May 11 to June 24 and Sept 7 to Oct 21, respectively.

“We will also consider those who wish to volunteer for the programme,” Adly added.

PLKN 3.0, now in its latest iteration, has been revamped into a more holistic and transformative initiative, aimed at developing human capital.

The first batch of 116 trainees had trained at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp here from Jan 12.

The coming sessions will be held at two locations: the 515th and 505th Territorial Army Regiment camps. The latter is located in Pekan, Pahang.