191,126 Students, 10,520 Trainees Involved In PLKN 3.0 2027
KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 at 20 public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) next year is projected to involve 191,126 students and 10,520 trainees at nine camp locations, thereby exceeding the target of 100,000 participants.
Deputy Defence Minister, Adly Zahari, said the selection of participants is carried out through two methods, namely a balloting system and voluntary participation.
“In addition, the intake capacity at training camps does not include additional capacity through the use of alternative camps such as the MALBATT Village Camp and RELA Training Centre.
“The number of trainees is expected to continue to increase gradually in line with the availability and readiness of training camps, instructors, and infrastructure,” he said in the Dewan Negara today.
He was responding to a question from Prof. Emeritus Datuk Seri Dr. Awang Sariyan regarding the plans and coordination measures for the implementation of PLKN 3.0 at IPT, as well as projections to ensure the programme covers all categories of IPT, both public and private.
Adly said the implementation of PLKN 3.0 at IPT is carried out in phases through close cooperation between the Ministry of Defence through the National Service Training Department (JLKN) and the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) to ensure its implementation is uniform and achieves the set objectives.
He said both ministries have finalised the module mapping, comprising 30 percent Nationhood Module, 30 percent Leadership Module, and 40 percent Military Module.
He said Training of Trainers courses were also conducted jointly with JLKN, KPT, and the Malaysian Academy of Nationhood to ensure that lecturers and facilitators possess uniform understanding, skills, and delivery standards.
“As a step in implementing PLKN 3.0 at institutions of higher learning, the government has initiated a Pilot Programme at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) on 16 June involving 996 students.
“This pilot programme was also implemented at three polytechnics, namely Politeknik Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Politeknik Banting, and Politeknik Seberang Perai, involving 4,000 students.
“It will be expanded to three campuses of the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia (IPGM) starting August 2026, involving 1,184 students,” he said.
Adly said the implementation of the pilot programme has received positive feedback, particularly regarding the nationhood, patriotism, leadership, and character development modules.
“Before expanding to private IPT, the government needs to evaluate the effectiveness of the modules, the achievement of objectives, feedback from participants and institutions, the readiness of infrastructure and instructors, and the capacity for sustainable implementation.
“For now, priority is given to public educational institutions,” he said.
Kosmo Online