By Nurdina Haziyah
Edited by Maizatul
Source: Bernama
GOMBAK, 3rd November 2023: The Defence Ministry of Malaysia announced re-establishing the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) as PLKN 3.0.
PLKN was introduced in 2004, which required participants who had reached the age of 18 to train for three months. It was later abolished in 2018.
However, on 31st October, the Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, announced the resurgence of PLKN 3.0 by stating that it targets youths but could also defer until 35 years old.
This raised concerns among Malaysian citizens as the targeted youths needed to prepare for the SPM examinations, including 35-year-old people, which had never been done before.
Citizens also voiced out that most people around age 35 already have family commitments, and it would be impossible if the government called them to fulfil the national service trainees.
Regarding this issue, the Defence Ministry clarified that new national service participants will be chosen based on birth dates. He stated, "If the trainee is unable to attend the programme based on valid reasons, they can apply for deferment."
This explained that the maximum age for deferment is up to 35 years old.
He added that if PLKN 3.0 starts in 2024, only teens born in 2007 will be called for training.
He hoped this statement clarified all misunderstandings that surfaced on social media. ***
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