Chow Yu Hui (PH-Raub) said the RM50 million allocation in the 2025 budget to revive the programme would be better directed towards critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for the people.
“Since the inception of PLKN, we have witnessed various issues, whether regarding its implementation, effectiveness, or the costs involved.
“I stand here today with a clear position, I oppose the proposal to reinstate the programme,” he said during the debate on the Supply Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat.
Chow further questioned the effectiveness of the programme, which was launched in 2004 and discontinued in 2018, despite RM8.4 billion having been spent during that period.
He noted that PLKN requires a substantial budget, and the country is still facing financial challenges given the current economic climate.
“We are still in the process of post-pandemic recovery, grappling with high living costs and inflation pressures,” he added.
Last Saturday, deputy defence minister Adly Zahari announced that PLKN 3.0 would be implemented in stages from January, involving two military camps in Kuala Lumpur and Pahang before being expanded to 13 other camps nationwide when it is fully implemented in 2026.
He also said PLKN 3.0 would target participants aged 16 to 35 from among students in Form Four, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia-leavers and students from institutions of higher learning.
Chow questioned the age limit to participate in PLKN 3.0, saying most young people under 35 would either still be studying, already employed, or have families.
He stressed that participation in the programme, even for just two months, could significantly impact their lives.
“There will be no salary during this period, yet many of them need to cover living expenses such as mortgage payments, car loans, and costs for their children,” he said.
He urged the government to reassess the necessity of reviving PLKN and instead suggested focusing on more effective and impactful initiatives, such as volunteer programmes and the revamped Rakan Muda programme.