Malaysians selected for PLKN 3.0 but fail to show up can face up to 6 months in jail, an RM3,000 fine or both
After a 7-year hiatus, the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) is back. However, compared to its two previous iterations, there’s now a tweaked format, with the Ministry of Defence aptly calling the new one PLKN 3.0.
This time around, PLKN 3.0 implements a training module that integrates 70% Basic Military Training, which equips trainees with basic military skills, national security policy, basic well-being of Malaysia MADANI and leadership skills. 30% of Statehood Components. Meanwhile, the other 30% involve Statehood Components, which include elements of identity, patriotism and strengthening unity.
PLKN 3.0 is being implemented in three series at two camps this year, with PLKN 3.0 Series 1/2025 currently ongoing at the 515th Territorial Army Regiment Camp in Kuala Lumpur since 12 January and will end on 25 February. This series is the only one conducted on a voluntary basis.
Meanwhile, PLKN 3.0 Series 2/2025 will be carried out from 11 May to 2 June, and PLKN 3.0 Series 3/2025 will be from 7 September to 21 October 2025.
Accordingly, as reported by Bernama, the National Service Training Department (JLKN) has reminded individuals selected to undergo PLKN 3.0 that attendance is compulsory. Should they be unable to attend, they must submit an application for deferment to the department.
In fact, skipping PLKN 3.0 for those selected may not be such a good idea as the legislation on which the programme is based prescribes a rather strict punishment for those who fail to attend, which even includes jail time.
Well, join us for a little ‘boot camp’ on the said legislation below to learn more.
National Service Training Act 2003
Although we’re now in the third iteration of PLKN, the programme is still empowered by the same legislation, which is the National Service Training Act 2003. Hence, Section 18 of the Act below, which deals with failure to attend national service training, still applies to PLKN 3.0 participants.
According to Section 18(1), any person who fails to present himself for national service training after being selected to do so is deemed to have committed an offence. If convicted, the individual may face imprisonment of up to 6 months, an RM3,000 fine, or both.
Furthermore, Section 18(2) further established that irrespective of the finding of guilt for failure to attend PLKN, the individual will still be liable to undergo the programme. In other words, even if you’re convicted and underwent the punishment for not attending PLKN, you still need to undergo the programme.
Meanwhile, Section 19(1) of the Act prescribes that it is an offence for anyone who’s undergoing PLKN to be absent without leave, and if convicted, they can face jail of up to 6 months, an RM3,000 fine, or both.
Moreover, Section 19(2) prescribes the same punishment for those convicted of the offence of persuading, endeavouring to persuade, procuring or attempting to procure any person undergoing PLKN to absent themselves without leave.
It is also an offence for anyone who’s undergoing PLKN to persuade, endeavour to persuade, procure or attempt to procure any other person undergoing PLKN to absent themselves. If convicted, Section 19(3) of the Act prescribes the individual to be ordered to perform community service.
PLKN 3.0 trainees can apply for postponement if they can’t attend
However, Section 20 of the Act below allows for PLKN 3.0 participants to postpone their liability to attend the programme if they face “exceptional hardship” if they attend the national service training. If approved, the individual will be granted a certificate of postponement, which they can also renew.
For example, the Ministry of Defence’s PLKN 3.0 FAQ page asserted that those who are furthering their studies are allowed to defer their participation in the national service training.
Should you be granted a certificate of postponement and there’s a change of circumstances or conditions for the reason of the certificate being granted, Section 21 of the Act requires you to notify the change in the prescribed manner to the proper authority. The authority may then shorten the certificate of postponement or revoke it.
If you fail to notify the change in condition, you will be deemed to have committed an offence and may face up to 3 months in jail, an RM1,000 fine, or both. This is as per the Act’s general penalty prescribed in Section 31.
With all of that established, let’s hope that PLKN 3.0 would be successful in achieving its goals and would be free of any controversies and unwanted incidents as the previous iterations. As they say, third time’s the charm.
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