30% Absentee Rate in PLKN 3.0 Trial Phases

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin revealed that approximately 30% of participants from the first two series of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 failed to report for training. The primary reasons cited for absence were health issues and offers to pursue higher education.

Mohamed Khaled stated that each series currently has an absentee rate of 10-15% due to these valid reasons. PLKN 3.0 is still in a trial phase, with full implementation anticipated next year.

Despite the absenteeism, the 45-day program has received positive feedback from participants, particularly regarding the military training elements, which were effective in instilling discipline and building identity. Participants have even requested improvements to the military training content.

The first series of PLKN 3.0 ran from January 12 to February 25, and the second from May 11 to June 24. The third series is scheduled from September 7 to October 21.