The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has announced a 14-day trial run for the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0, set to begin on January 12 next year. The trial will involve 200 male volunteers and will take place at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment in Kuala Lumpur. This initiative aims to evaluate and refine the programme's syllabus and training modules in preparation for the official launch of PLKN 3.0 in June 2025.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari emphasized the importance of the trial, explaining that it would provide an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the training modules and make necessary improvements. The trial period is brief, but it allows us to fine-tune the syllabus based on our extensive experience with the previous PLKN programmes, he stated. By addressing any gaps, Mindef hopes to ensure the programme is fully prepared by June.
Adly expressed confidence that the trial would expedite readiness and strengthen the effectiveness of the modules. The trial is open to Malaysian males aged 18 to 20, with applications accepted through the Mindef website until November 23, 2024.
The revamped PLKN 3.0 will feature a new concept and format, as outlined by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. Scheduled to roll out in phases starting June or July 2025, the programme will include two stages: the Pre-PLKN Phase and the Basic PLKN Phase. The Pre-PLKN Phase targets Form Four students and will be integrated into school co-curricular activities. Meanwhile, the Basic PLKN Phase, set to commence in April 2026, will cater to those aged 17 and above. This phase will combine 30% basic national service modules with 70% basic military training and will be conducted across 13 Territorial Army camps, 20 public universities, and selected polytechnics nationwide.
On a related note, Adly highlighted the success of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Veteran Entrepreneurs Empowerment Programme (PUVET), which was launched to support MAF veterans in entrepreneurship. Speaking at the launch of the Negeri Sembilan state-level PUVET programme, he revealed that 216 veterans had received grants totaling RM1.08 million since the initiative began last year. To date, 1,818 veterans nationwide have participated in PUVET, benefiting from its targeted entrepreneurship support.
The grants, provided through the Rural Entrepreneurship Enhancement Support (SPKLB) and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, aim to boost veterans' productivity and market reach. Adly called for greater collaboration between ministries, agencies, and private companies through the Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT). Such partnerships are crucial for channeling entrepreneurship incentives to veterans more effectively.
Adly also detailed plans to expand entrepreneurship opportunities for veterans. PERHEBAT, in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), will provide specialized training in agriculture and other fields. Additionally, discussions with PLUS Malaysia Berhad aim to explore business opportunities at rest and service areas, allowing veterans to market their products more effectively. These initiatives will go beyond petrol stations to include broader business opportunities, empowering MAF veterans to achieve greater economic success.
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