SUNGAI BESI, Feb 8- Individuals called to undergo the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0, are required to attend.
However, it is possible to submit an application for deferment to the National Service Training Department (JLKN), if there are reasonable grounds.
JLKN Director General, Major General Datuk Ya'cob Samiran said individuals who are selected but are bound by work commitments, need to request a release from their respective employers.
For the first series, it is voluntary, but for the second and subsequent series, it follows a conditional recruitment process.
This means that when a person is called to undergo PLKN training, they have to attend and if they are prevented from attending or have certain problems, they have to apply for a deferment and so on," said Datuk Ya'cob to reporters, today.
He was met after a light weapons shooting training session by 67 PLKN Trainees at the First Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment Shooting Range, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi.
Datuk Ya'cob stressed that employers also need to give a reasonable reason if they do not give permission to employees to participate in PLKN.
Meanwhile, the use of the Malaysian Army (TDM)'s military fatigues by the participants of the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 is in line with the routine of other countries which run the same programme.
A study of various national service programmes shows that a majority of countries opt for the use of military fatigues over alternative uniforms.
Major General Datuk Ya'cob Samiran explained that the use has however been tested from different aspects.
"These TDM fatigues have been tested, underwent specifications, research, evaluation and everything is rendered complete.
If we use uniforms other than these, it will requires a longer process and costs a lot more. This method is cheaper because the uniforms are already in the system," Datuk Ya'cob added.
The decision was agreed at the national level, through a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In addition, the use of existing fatigues also helps to reduce government expenses because they are already available in the inventory.