National service: Nearly 40pct of latest batch did not report for duty

National service: Nearly 40pct of latest batch did not report for duty


Published: Jun 8, 2025 4:28 PM
Updated: Jun 9, 2025 9:12 AM


Summary

• 37pct of National Service 3.0 trainees for the May-June session did not turn up for duty, citing health and job commitments.

• Defence Ministry will do a thorough probe before resorting to disciplinary action, its deputy minister says.

A staggering number of National Service 3.0 trainees did not report for duty in the May-June session.

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari revealed today that out of 550 trainees, 206 (37 percent) were a no-show by the May 16 cut-off date.

Adly said health issues and job commitments were cited as reasons for absenteeism.

Under the National Service Training Act, trainees who fail to report for duty can be referred to a disciplinary committee and sentenced to community service.

However, Adly said the Defence Ministry will conduct a thorough probe before resorting to such action.

"We have to look at the justifications of those who failed to register, but if there is no choice, we will use the Act to discipline them to ensure that youths partake in national service.

"It isn't just about character-building and instilling core values but also involves national sovereignty," he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian today.

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari


The May-June session is the second National Service 3.0 session to be held after the programme was revived this year.

Earlier in January, 116 trainees partook in the pilot phase of the programme.

Each session is supposed to last 45 days, with a curriculum that comprises 70 percent basic military training and 30 percent nation-building components, including physical, mental, and civic development.