KUALA LUMPUR: The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 highlights programmes to nurture social harmony, cultural understanding and national unity among trainees, says Adly Zahari.
The Deputy Defence Minister said the government had taken a comprehensive approach to ensure that the latest phase of PLKN produces well-rounded young Malaysians who value tolerance, respect and teamwork regardless of race or religion.
“The PLKN 3.0 programme goes beyond military-style training.
“It places strong emphasis on building social harmony, cultural awareness and the spirit of national unity,” Adly said in response to a question by Selayang MP in the Dewan Rakyat during the ministry’s winding up speech at the policy stage on Wednesday (Oct 30).
Selayang MP William Leong proposed that PLKN 3.0 should be expanded to include social harmony, understanding of cultural aspects through dialogues and community programmes.
Adly said the values are embedded through the National Fundamentals Module, which makes up 30% of the entire training curriculum.
The module served as the core component in fostering patriotism, identity and mutual respect among participants.
“During basic military training, all activities are carried out in groups to instil values of togetherness, discipline and shared responsibility regardless of ethnicity or faith.
“From morning exercises and marching drills to group assignments and meal times, trainees learn that success is only achieved through cooperation and mutual respect,” he added.
Each team formed among the PLKN trainees, Adly said, was deliberately structured to reflect Malaysia’s diverse community, encouraging natural interaction and friendship across cultural lines.
“This module reminds trainees that a nation’s strength lies in its unity within diversity,” he said.
Apart from military training, Adly said PLKN trainees also participated in community service programmes.
These programmes are conducted in collaboration with various agencies, including the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Social Welfare Department (JKM), local authorities and community-based organisations.
On the current ethnic composition of PLKN 3.0 trainees, Adly said Malays formed the largest group with 835 participants (69.5%).
This is followed by Chinese 171 (14.2%), Indians 114 (9.5%), Sabah Bumiputera groups 46 (3.8%), Sarawak Bumiputera 23 (1.9%), and minority groups in Peninsular Malaysia, including Siamese, Sikh and Orang Asli 13 (1.1%).
Adly also told the Lower House that the ministry was developing a career progression pathway for PLKN trainers.
He said a collaboration between the National Service Training Department (JLKN) and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) will introduce a certified career advancement programme recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), open to trainers with at least an SPM qualification.
“The course, costing RM2,400, will be recognised under the Accreditation of Prior Achievement (PPT) scheme and can be used for salary progression and professional recognition in the PLKN service,” he added.
