KUALA LUMPUR: The government has spent RM8.43 billion on the National Service Training (PLKN) programme since its inception in 2004, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu says.
He said the bulk of the expenses (43%) was for the rental of training camps.
“During the 14 years since it was implemented, a total of 885,956 youths underwent training.
“Of these, 356,411 former trainees joined the National Service Voluntary Brigade which was set up to allow them to continue serving the society,” he said during the ministerial question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was replying to a question from Wong Hon Wai (DAP-Bukit Bendera) who asked for the total amount of money spent on the programme and its outcome.
Mohamad said although the Pakatan Harapan manifesto stated that the programme would be abolished, a special committee had been set up under the ministry to re-evaluate its effectiveness and the implications of closing it down before a decision is made.
He said independent studies conducted by various parties including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2010 and Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2014 found that the programme led to an increase in patriotism and national integration among the participants.
“We will consider the views of people with vested interests such as parents, former trainers and the relevant bodies,” he said.
He added however that several aspects of the programme needed to be improved if it was continued, including its maintenance and co-curricular activities.
“For instance, what expenses can we cut if we were to continue the programme? Rental of the camps, buses – why are they so high, and where do the youths go after the programme? Has it achieved its objectives?
“I am confident that if it is properly managed with a strong co-curriculum, it will be beneficial,” he said.