Malaysia’s plan to revive its national service program for school leavers from next year after a six-year hiatus has been met with consternation after the previous scheme was scrapped over allegations of over-inflated spending and serious security breaches.

Unlike neighboring Singapore’s compulsory national service, where all male citizens and permanent residents must serve a rigorous two-year program in the military, police or civil defense, Malaysia’s previous practice has been likened more to a summer camp.

Deputy Minister of Defense Adly Zahari said that the program, which was restarted in January, will start with 500 participants in two military camps in the capital Kuala Lumpur and Pahang, and then expand to 13 camps across the country in 2026.

The government said all men and women aged 16 and over will automatically be entered into a draw to take part in the programme, with the number rising to 1,000 by June. Those selected may postpone their participation to a more convenient time before they turn 35.

“The government has allocated 50 million ringgit (US$11.47 million) as a start,” Adly told national news agency Bernama on Saturday.

Singapore’s national service, where officials say more than 900,000 people have passed through it for decades, is seen as a rite of passage for young men, a cornerstone of promoting social cohesion and a key block of the tiny city-state’s national security infrastructure.