Reports by ARFA YUNUS, HO JIA WEN, MARTIN CARVALHO and BENJAMIN LEE
PETALING JAYA: The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) is something that these young people are willing to consider with an open mind.
“If I am picked for it, it would be a cool opportunity for me to learn and experience something new in my life,” said Nasya Nazrul, 17.
“I could even make new friends,” she added.
Nasya admitted that she was initially not keen on the programme as she felt that it would be a hindrance.
Voices of the youth: (From left) Nasya, Loi, Adeena, See, Danish and Gan.
She said the programme would be disruptive for those who have plans to gain some work experience after their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations.
However, after talking to her parents and teachers, Nasya felt that the PLKN would be good for young people.
The programme, which was abolished in 2018, has been reintroduced by the government.
PLKN 3.0 will begin next year. However, a pilot programme for Form 4 students involving basic training will kick off this year.
Asian culinary student Loi Ghee Siang said the national service programme would be a great opportunity for character building and physical training.
“‘I will be very willing to join national service if I am given the chance.
“It is beneficial to develop good habits and a sense of responsibility,” said Loi, 19.
Student Adeena Salimee, 17, said she believes that she would adapt well to the training if she was called up for it.
However, she said there was still a lot of unclear information about the national service.
As for Alisha Lim Devanayagam, 17, she said her family believes the programme would be a great experience for her.
“I also think that it will make me stronger mentally and physically. And it is an honour to contribute to our country,” she said.
See Jer Khai, 19, admitted that he would be nervous if he was called for the programme as he would be in an unfamiliar environment.
“I would miss my family, too. However, it is a good chance for me to build my physical strength and take a break from studies,” he said.
Recent engineering diploma graduate Danish Apandi said he would not mind being called up for the programme.
“However, I will feel a bit annoyed because that would shift my focus from my studies,” said the 23-year-old.
Student Gilbert Gan, 18, who has just finished his SPM, said he was not keen to join the national service.
“It would require a significant amount of time and energy for me to participate in something I have little to no interest in,” he said.
