PLKN stands for "Program Latihan Khidmat Negara" in Malay, which translates to National Service Training Program in English. It is a national service program in Malaysia that was initiated by the government in 2003. The program is aimed at promoting unity, patriotism, and social cohesion among the youth. Malaysian youth who are 18 years old are selected at random for a three-month training stint. During this time, the youths undergo physical training such as marching, hand-to-hand combat, abseiling, canoeing, survival training, first aid training, and others. The youths also attend lectures in classrooms to learn more about the countrys history and are reminded of their sense of responsibility and loyalty to the country. The primary objective of the PLKN is to foster discipline, patriotism, and unity among Malaysian youth. The program is seen as a tool to bridge racial and cultural divides by promoting friendship and understanding among youths from different ethnic backgrounds. The program was halted for one year in 2015 due to the federal governments efforts to cut spending, but it was reintroduced as PLKN 2.0 in 2016, with participation made fully optional by 2019). In 2021, the Cabinet gave approval to continue PLKN, and a special committee was established by the Ministry of Defence to study how to revive PLKN with a fresh template. PLKN 3.0 will be implemented in two phases, with Phase 1 conducted at the school level involving Form Four students, with a focus on enhancing existing uniformed body programs. After completing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), they progress to Phase 2. The duration of PLKN 3.0 was revamped to 45 days, with training modules that include physical training, nationhood, character building, and community service. The training is conducted in military camps, police training centers, and facilitated by military personnel as instructors. If the program is implemented in 2024, only those born in 2007 will be selected, and they can defer up to the maximum age of 35 years old.