15/05/2025

THURSDAY | MAY 15, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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‘Mass NS absenteeism highlights need for review’

RMAF fighter jet sports Avatar themed livery ahead of Lima

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) Su-30MKM fighter jet has been unveiled in a new livery ahead of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima ‘25), bearing the special title “Toruk Makto”. In a statement on Tuesday, RMAF said the new body design of the aircraft was inspired by the legendary creature in the film Avatar , known as the Toruk or “The Last Shadow”. According to the statement, in the fictional film, the title “Toruk Makto” is given to those who succeed in taming and riding the Toruk – a feat only possible for those with a pure and noble spirit. In the real world, RMAF said Su-30MKM fighter jet pilots reflected a similar spirit because the aircraft, equipped with 4.5 generation technology, super - maneuverability, and advanced weaponry, was not just a war machine but an “iron beast” that required an operator with a great soul. “They are the chosen ones, not just because of their prowess, but for the purity of their spirit,” the statement read. “In the cockpit, a pilot must make split-second decisions, sometimes between life and death. These decisions can only be made by a soul free of ego and personal intent,” it said. Lima ‘25, themed “Today’s Innovation, Tomorrow’s Achievements”, will take place in Langkawi from May 20 to 24, and will feature 102 aircraft and 35 naval vessels from various countries. It remains one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in Southeast Asia since it was first held in 1991. – Bernama RON97, diesel prices to drop three sen KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices of RON97 petrol and diesel in Peninsular Malaysia will drop by three sen to RM3.07 and RM2.77 per litre respectively from today to May 21. The Finance Ministry, in a statement yesterday said the retail price of RON95 petrol will remain unchanged at RM2.05 per litre while that of diesel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will stay at RM2.15 per litre for the same period. The ministry said the prices were fixed based on the weekly retail pricing of petroleum products, using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula. “The government continues to monitor market developments and adjusts the RON97 and diesel fuel retail prices, based on global oil market fluctuations, while supporting price stability,” it said. The ministry also said the government would also take appropriate measures to safeguard the welfare and well-being of the people. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The high number of absentees in the National Service Training Programme (NS) 3.0 highlights the need for a careful review of its implementation, with an expert urging the government not to rush into punitive measures. Universiti Utara Malaysia College of Law, Government and International Studies Assoc Prof Mohamad Faisol Keling said the programme, still in its trial phase following its suspension in 2018, should undergo at least three years of evaluation to identify weaknesses, gauge public response and strengthen its framework before stricter action is considered. “In this case, the government cannot rush to take action. Instead, they need to reflect on areas for improvement. “Once the programme is strengthened, then a tougher approach can be justified. But first, the government must assess whether it aligns with public needs and expectations and identify any gaps in its design or delivery,” he added. Commenting on the mass absenteeism, Mohamad Faisol said it reflects a lack of public understanding and readiness for military-style training, underscoring the need for better communication. He said NS must be clearly promoted as a form of military training, and the government should actively publicise its purpose and significance through both official and unofficial media platforms to enhance public understanding. “While the military-centric approach of NS may intimidate today’s youth, early exposure and education are key. “Students should be introduced to the concept and importance of NS as early as Form Three, while teachers and educators play a crucial role in shaping their understanding. So by the time they finish Form Five, they are mentally prepared and see the value in participating,” he added. Mohamad Faisol suggested that voluntary participation would be more effective, especially among youth inclined towards o Govt must identify weaknesses, strengthen framework and gauge public expectations before rushing to take tougher approach, says academic Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Female trainees at the registration session for the NS training programme at the 515th Regiment of Territorial Army Camp in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

skills-based training. “From a national defence perspective, NS plays a key role in fostering public involvement – an essential element of the Total Defence concept. “NS complements other initiatives such as the Reserve Officer Training Unit, the reserve forces, Malaysian Volunteers Corps Department and other voluntary uniformed bodies in strengthening national resilience.” He cautioned, however, that weaknesses in NS’s implementation could undermine this strategic pillar if left unaddressed. For the record, a total of 344 trainees under NS 3.0 Series 2/2025 reported for a 45-day training programme that began on May 11 and will run until June 24. However, more than 200 trainees failed to report to their assigned camps as scheduled. The National Service Training Department has urged selected trainees who have yet to report to their designated camps to do so by noon tomorrow, as they still have the opportunity to join the programme. Trainees who fail to report by the specified date and time may be referred to the Legal Division under Section 18(1) of the National Service Training Act 2003 (Act 628).

physical or military-style activities. He said not all students are academically driven; many prefer hands-on or physically challenging pursuits, and these individuals are more likely to participate if they understand the programme’s purpose. “Unlike countries with smaller populations like Singapore, Malaysia can rely on voluntary participation due to its larger youth demographic. “It is also in line with the government’s financial capacity, which cannot support implementation for all students – only for a limited number in accordance with national budget constraints,” he added. Mohamad Faisol stressed that close collaboration between the Defence Ministry, schools and parents is crucial to ensuring the smooth rollout of NS. He said students should be introduced to the programme as early as possible, with special focus on those who prefer outdoor or hands-on activities over academic pathways. “Just as academic and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) streams cater to different student interests, NS should be positioned as a valuable option for those inclined toward physical and

Public transport use in Malaysia still low: DPM KUALA LUMPUR: The rate of public transport usage in Malaysia remains low at around 25%, which is a stark contrast to several developed countries, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. a reliable system and comprehensive awareness campaigns.

infrastructure but also increases road safety risks and negatively affects people’s quality of life.” Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that with continued efforts by agencies like Prasarana and collaboration from all stakeholders, the country could shape a more people-friendly, sustainable and efficient future for public transport. “God willing, we will break free from the shackles of congestion and dependency on private vehicles,“ he said. – Bernama

Sah at his office in Putrajaya. Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia was facing the reality of vehicle congestion, noting that by the end of 2024, there were 38.7 million registered vehicles in the country. “It exceeds the population of 34.1 million, and the number continues to rise, driven by total industry volume or vehicle sales, which reached 816,747 units – the highest in the nation’s history. “The trend not only burdens the existing

“I have always believed that an efficient public transport system not only facilitates the daily movement of people but also acts as a catalyst for economic growth, social well-being and inclusive mobility in both urban and rural areas,“ he said. Earlier, he shared that he had received a courtesy call from Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) president Mohd Azharuddin Mat

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Ahmad Zahid said neighbouring Singapore recorded a usage rate of 67%, while Seoul, South Korea 63% and Tokyo, Japan 73%. “This change requires a shift in mindset that can only be achieved through a combination of