{
  "id": 12890824,
  "title": "National Service to begin in Sarawak in July 2028",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/national-service-to-begin-in-sarawak-in-july-2028",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-08T15:07:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/08/national-service-to-begin-in-sarawak-in-july-2028"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 is set to commence in Sarawak in July 2028, according to Defence Minister Khaled Nordin. Of the 300 available spots, 90% have been earmarked specifically for youths from Sarawak and Sabah. The first series in Sarawak, designated as Series 3/2028, is scheduled for July to August 2028. Preparations are underway, including securing the necessary land for the program. Khaled revealed that while the inaugural Sarawak series won't begin until 2028, youths from the region have already been participating since Series 1/2025. In 2025 and 2026, Sarawakian youths took part in seven series, with three in 2025 and four in 2026. The selection process involves random balloting and voluntary applications, but the ministry acknowledges this may not guarantee the inclusion of candidates from rural and interior areas. To address this, the National Service Training Department, through its Sarawak representative, will identify and propose candidates from these regions for consideration once the council's Sarawak representative is appointed.",
  "summary": "Defence minister Khaled Nordin says 60% of the 300 places will be reserved for Sarawakians and 30% for Sabahans, with the remainder for youths from Kuala Lumpur.",
  "key_points": [
    "National Service Programme PLKN 3.0 begins in Sarawak July 2028",
    "90% of 300 spots reserved for Sarawak, Sabah youths",
    "Preparations underway, land secured for Series 3/2028"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "National Service to begin in Sarawak in July 2028",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/national-service-to-begin-in-sarawak-in-july-2028-12890894",
        "published": "2026-10-08T15:07:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}