THE pilot project for the National Service Training Programme 3.0 involving a new concept and format will begin in June and July next year, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Speaking during the minister’s question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (July 10), Khaled, who is also the Kota Tinggi MP, said two out of the 13 military camps in the country would be involved in the project.
“1,000 participants are targeted for this project. The camps will also be segregated based on gender,” he said, adding that the Defence, Higher Education and Education Ministries have already finalised the training module drafts.
He was responding to queries by Jeli MP Zahari Kechik and Tampin MP Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa regarding the status of the revised national service programme.
According to Khaled, the national service programme would first be introduced in schools in a pre-National Service Training Programme phase which would involve Form 4 students during co-curriculum periods.
He said following this, basic national service training would begin for selected students aged 17 and above who will undergo basic training at 13 military camps nationwide, 20 public universities and several polytechnics.
“This basic training phase will encompass 30% nationhood modules and 70% basic military training,” he told the august house.
Khaled further told the Dewan Rakyat that the basic national service training at military camps would commence in April 2026 and would be held over a 45-day session while national service training in public universities would begin during the 2026/2027 academic intake.
He explained that the module, developed by the Higher Education Ministry, included elements of patriotism and unity.
The Defence Ministry, meanwhile, is developing basic military training, in which participants would be trained to be disciplined, punctual, organised, and independent.
“Participants also have the opportunity to further their training according to their fields of interest,” said Khaled.
He said discussions were also held on whether technical and vocational training should be included within the National Service Training Programme.
“I believe these discussions have been positive and God willing they will be finalised soon,” he added. – July 10, 2024
Main pic credit: Berita Harian
