PEKAN: Efforts must be made to counter the negative perception of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN), and parents have a role to play in promoting their children’s involvement, said Jeneral (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Zainal.
The National Service Training Council (MLKN) chairman said those who join the programme would benefit in many ways, particularly in shaping a strong personal identity.
In addition, he said the programme offers added value to trainees as it includes basic military training while assuring parents that their children’s welfare would be well taken care of throughout the 45-day period.
“All their needs are taken care of throughout the programme, with RM3,150 allocated per trainee, not including travel expenses. I hope parents will help raise awareness and encourage their children. PLKN seeks to guide them in the right direction.
“Those who do not want to join may still be affected by past stigma. Forget the past; the current programme brings benefits and has been improved for the better,” he said at a press conference after the PLKN 3.0 Series 2/2025 Passing-Out Parade yesterday, Bernama reported.
Abdul Aziz said more than RM400mil had been allocated to make the programme a success, including improvements to camp facilities to ensure a more comfortable training environment for the trainees.
A total of 257 male trainees completed the training, which began on May 11 at the 505th Territorial Army Regiment Camp here, with Bartholomew Thierry Timothy from Papar, Sabah, named the best trainee.
For Timothy, 18, being away from his family for 45 days proved worthwhile when he was selected as the best trainee, adding that PLKN had instilled discipline and punctuality in him.
The third of four siblings, who will pursue a foundation in science at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), said the nationalism module and basic military training had contributed to building his identity as a quality Malaysian with a more positive outlook.
“It’s an honour to be chosen as the best trainee. In the beginning, I had trouble adjusting, especially with punctuality, but I’ve improved and become a more confident person,” he said.
Zarimi Isa, 50, a former soldier and father of trainee Muhammad Hakim, 20, said parents should not hesitate to send their children for the programme, which he described as highly beneficial.
“Don’t listen to the negative comments about PLKN. It’s a good programme for the younger generation, and with the training lasting just 45 days, I think it’s still relevant,” said the father of five.
