The suspension of the NS programme meant a saving of RM400 million for the government. — Bernama photo
GUA MUSANG: The 10,000 permanent or contract workers employed at the 81 National Service Training Programme (NS) camps nationwide will not be affected by the suspension of the programme.
Deputy Defence Minister, Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the workers need not worry over the suspension as the move was temporary and the government would continue to protect their income.
He said following the decision to suspend operations as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Tuesday, there would not be any intake of trainees for sessions two and three this year.
“We might as well suspend NS operations and make a revaluation to come up with the best transformation for the future of all NS camps throughout country,” he told reporters after visiting the Etnobotani NS camp which had been made temporary housing for flood victims, here, yesterday.
Abdul Rahim spent an hour presenting relief aid to flood victims before briefing them on government’s efforts to build houses for families whose homes had been swept away or severely damaged during the floods last month.
In a special message on Tuesday, the Prime Minister in highlighting the current economic development and financial position of the country in Putrajaya, announced that the NS programme would be suspended this year, which meant a saving of RM400 million, to enable the programme to be reviewed and improved.
He said talks on the government’s decision to suspend NS operations had been discussed with the various stakeholders in PLKN including permanent and contract staff.
“In addition, we will also get feedback from parents, former trainees, operators and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on the matter after this,” he said.
He expressed the hope that all parties would understand the move made by the Prime Minister and not make negative judgment on the matter. — Bernama