TUARAN, Oct 3 – The perception that the National Service Training Programme (PLKN 3.0) involves harsh military-style training is inaccurate, and trainees should not be apprehensive about participating, according to National Service Training Department (JLKN) Trainee Management Division Director Col Mazlizan Shaikh Osman.

Speaking at the PLKN 3.0 Series 4/2026 intake registration session at the Sabah RELA Training Centre Camp in Tuaran on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Mazlizan clarified that military elements account for less than 10 per cent of the total curriculum. Instead, the initiative focuses on physical endurance, character building, and personal development.

“The training is not as tough as military training, but we provide exposure to activities such as obstacle courses, abseiling from towers, navigation, survival skills and handling M16 rifles,” Mazlizan stated.

Specialized Curriculum and Career Advantages

The 45-day program incorporates modules designed in collaboration with various government bodies, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), and Akademi Kepimpinan Malaysia.

Participants who complete PLKN 3.0 will receive specialized merit points recognized by five public appointment authorities:

Public Service Commission (SPA)
Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF)
Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)
Judicial and Legal Service
Education Sector

Additionally, trainees with vocational interests will be routed toward Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, while an integrated Career Exploration Programme involving SPA, PERKESO, and uniformed services will run throughout the encampment.

Selection, Demographics, and Feedback

Mazlizan highlighted that data from six previous series revealed that over 80 per cent of trainees reported positive personal impacts, while over 90 per cent of parents provided favorable feedback regarding the program.

Key details regarding current intake operations include:

Current Intake: The Sabah RELA Training Centre Camp is hosting 165 male and 80 female trainees for Series 4/2026, with the passing-out parade scheduled for November 16, 2026.
Borneo Camp Structure: The Tuaran facility is the sole camp in Borneo housing both male and female trainees within the same complex; seven other camps nationwide operate gender-segregated facilities.
Selection Process: Trainees born in 2008 were randomly selected via a balloting system under the National Service Training Act 2003, with deferments granted for valid academic or personal grounds. Voluntary enrollment remains open for youths aged 17 to 25.

–NMT

Tags: PLKN