In a written parliamentary reply, Khaled said the military regularly conducts programmes to get more youths to defend the county.

He said that apart from promotional events at schools and shopping malls, the military takes part in career exhibitions throughout Malaysia.

Khaled said there were 1,670 Indians in the military as of Dec 31, or 1.4% of its total strength.

“Their presence reflects the ethnic diversity within the army, which plays a significant role in strengthening national unity and integration within the country’s security forces,” he said.

He was responding to a question from RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) regarding the participation of Indians in the army, navy and air force.

On Jan 12, a total of 120 voluntary trainees from across the country reported for duty to take part in PLKN 3.0, which is being held after a seven-year break.

Khaled previously said PLKN 3.0 will focus on the nation’s sovereignty and mental discipline. It will also have light military training programmes and structured learning tailored to participants based on their age.

The programme, which will be held at army camps, universities and polytechnics. aims to inculcate values such as discipline and patriotism.

In 2023, then defence minister Mohamad Hasan said that non-Bumiputeras made up less than 3% of the military despite various efforts to encourage the group’s participation such as roadshows and promotions.

In a Bernama report, Mohamad said hard work, low pay, irregular working hours and inability to spend time with families during festive seasons contributed to the low figure.