PEKAN: The intake for the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) will be increased to approximately 25,000 trainees annually, with the opening of 13 training camps nationwide, says Col Mazlizan Shaikh Osman.
The National Service Training Department director (trainees and operations) said 750 slots will be available for the first intake of 2026 - 500 for male trainees at the 505 Territorial Army Camp here and 250 for female trainees at the 515 Territorial Army Camp in Kuala Lumpur.
"Currently, the intake involves only these two camps, but plans are underway to open 11 more, each capable of accommodating between 300 and 700 trainees per training session," he said.
"All 13 camps are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2027, with the capacity to house 25,000 trainees across four training sessions annually," he told reporters during the PLKN 3.0 Series 1/2026 registration at the 505 Territorial Army Camp in Sungai Miang here Saturday (Jan 17).
Col Mazlizan added that this year, the second session of the PLKN programme, running from April 28 to June 8, will involve only two camps. The third from July 11 to Aug 24, will include two additional camps in Gemas, Negri Sembilan, and Bukit Keteri, Perlis.
Another camp will be opened for the fourth session, from Oct 3 to Nov 16, in Kluang, Johor.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Ivan Choong, a trainee from Perlis, expressed mixed emotions upon being selected for the programme.
"I'm excited to join PLKN as I'll get to meet many new friends from different backgrounds, but I'm also sad because this will be the first time I won't be spending Chinese New Year with my family," he said.
Khor Jia Onn, 18, from Cameron Highlands, shared similar sentiments, acknowledging the opportunity despite missing out on the celebrations with family.
Ahmad Darwis Haiqal Yuslizar, 18, viewed the programme as an opportunity to acquire new skills, particularly in basic military training, such as shooting, while also enhancing his personal discipline. - Bernama
