New program to replace NS, BTN features with high impact activities

KUALA LUMPUR: The new programme to replace the scrapped National Service Training Programme (PLKN) and National Civics Bureau (BTN) has been formulated holistically by combining high impact indoor and outdoor activities.

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the new programme aimed at highlighting the young people’s potentials as strategic partners in developing the country based on the Federal Constitution and the principles of the Rukun Negara.

“The new programme will be implemented in four stages that will ensure a continuous youth development programme from basic to high level.

“The first stage will involve 500,000 school students (aged 15) and another 500,000 students (aged 17). Of the total, between 28,000 to 70,000 students (based on the allocation received) will be selected for the second stage that will use the Outward Bound School module that embraces leadership qualities,” he said this during the winding up debate on the midterm review of the 11th Malaysia Plan at the Dewan Negara, here yesterday.

Syed Saddiq said the programme would also utilise the existing BTN camps and facilities under the ministry and it would be held for 10 to 14 days.

“A total of 200 top participants from the second stage will then be selected for the Malaysia Future Leaders School (third stage) that adopts the Japanese Future Leaders School programme and to be trained as future leaders of the country and in the corporate sector.