By The Straits Times | Created at 2024-10-29 22:23:00 | Updated at 2024-10-30 07:25:11
2 days ago
PETALING JAYA – With 65 days to go until the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 officially commences in Malaysia after a seven-year hiatus, parents say that safety and security in the camps must be prioritised.
They called on the authorities to ensure safe training environments, gender segregation with protection and safeguards for girls, strict food hygiene and stressed the need for reasonable training due to past incidents of harassment and fatalities.
Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, the Parent Action Group for Education chairman, has voiced concerns regarding the PLKN 3.0, particularly involving safety, youth development and timing.
“There are ongoing worries regarding safety,” Ms Noor Azimah said.
“The government needs to address and rectify challenges in the previous versions of PLKN 1.0 and PLKN 2.0,” she added. “It’s important to overcome past issues to ensure a secure environment for all participants.”
Ms Noor Azimah also expressed scepticism about the benefits of PLKN 3.0 for youth development, especially in the absence of an impact study on the previous training programmes.
“Despite having organised PLKN 1.0 and PLKN 2.0, a comprehensive impact study has not been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness,” she said.
She also raised concerns about the timing of the programme, suggesting that students should prioritise their education.
“We do not see the benefit of partaking in the programme early,” she said.
Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education chairman Mak Chee Kin said the government should address the concerns of parents regarding PLKN 3.0 by outlining specific measures or standard operating procedure in case of emergencies.
“Some parents are worried, given previous incidents of bullying, sexual harassment, sickness and food hygiene problems at different training camps,” said Mr Mak. “To allay these issues, it would be good if the government can inform us about the measures being taken,” he said.
He highlighted issues such as catering for dietary needs and preventing bullying, as examples that require clear government action.
While the new version of PLKN focuses on racial integration and instilling patriotism rather than building a reserve force, he said such efforts, if carried out through activities and sports, would make them more achievable.
Mr Mak also expressed concerns that previous editions of PLKN faced numerous unresolved issues such as selecting the appropriate age group, whether participation should be voluntary or compulsory, and addressing food, safety and hygiene issues.
“The government must be very clear about the purpose,” he said, adding that there must be a well-defined strategy to ensure the programme’s success.
A mother of three sons from Ipoh, who only wants to be known as Madam Mok, said it is important for the camp authorities to have a set of guidelines that deal with every possible situation, based on previous experiences.
“We want to know what steps they will take, for example, when a trainee suddenly faints or is not feeling well during the duration of the training,” she said.
“What will they do and who will be accountable? Will there be CCTV installed in the training camps?” she added.
“These measures will be useful if there is any untoward incident,” said the 48-year-old single mother, who is still hesitant to let her youngest son join PLKN 3.0.
Mr Borhan Faisal, a 43-year-old from Melaka with twin daughters, said safety and security are his top concerns.
“My girls are 16, and they might be selected. Can they go to the same camp? Are we allowed to enter and assess the situation inside the camp?,” he said.
“I support national integration activities, but I also have my reservations.”
Some potential participants have also expressed anxiety, scepticism and concern.
Carmen Lye, 17, from Yong Peng, Johor, said she is anxious about being thrust into a new environment without friends while juggling the demands of National Service training.
“What if I can’t cope physically and end up getting bullied?”, said Carmen, who is about to further her studies in a foundation course in a university.
“I want to make new friends, but I’m also scared because there will be so many people.”
Similarly, a 16-year-old, who wanted to be known only as Husainy, urged the authorities to schedule the training after students have completed their schooling.
“Let us prepare for our exams first,” he said, highlighting the importance of allowing students to focus on their studies.
Mr Adam Jay, 20, said he is not interested in the programme, doubting its effectiveness and likening it to a summer camp with numerous issues.
“This is not real army reserves training. Camps like this can be petty because they may involve those who don’t want to be there,” he said.
“It can also be a waste of public funds. I prefer to join Askar Wataniah. It keeps me fit, and I can make many friends from other races.”
For 17-year-old Abby, the prospect of being drafted brings fear, especially given past reports of bullying and fatalities.
“I have heard stories about participants being bullied. I’m a bit worried and if it involves military training, I’m not sure (if) I can handle it,” she said.
College student Hamzah Ahmad, 18, from Shah Alam, has mixed feelings based on his cousin’s experience.
But despite concerns over poor camp conditions and health issues, he remains eager due to his fondness for camping and meeting new friends.
“But I don’t want to go if the camp conditions are bad,” he said.
On a more positive note, Ms Melinda Eli, a parent, shared her experience of sending her youngest daughter to a previous programme.
“There will be hiccups as usual, but my youngest girl had a good experience overall,” Ms Eli said.
“Despite the challenges and being away from home for the first time, she found a few good friends, learnt about discipline and enjoyed herself,” she added.
“She came back a more mature and learned person. I think she gained much more than what can be taught in the classroom.”
Ms Eli said she had no regrets about allowing her daughter to join PLKN.
“I hope PLKN’s revival will succeed, as it is a good initiative,” she said.
“I hope the government addresses parents’ concerns and enhances the programme to ensure it meets its aspirations and safety aspects.” THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
