Safety is a top priority: Army personnel guiding the trainees from Teluk Sari NS Campin Endau Johor at the Army Training Centre in Ulu Tiram, Johor, in this file photo. The NS 3.0 is being thoroughly planned to ensure a conducive environment to prevent bullying cases, says Mindef.
KUALA LUMPUR: There are concerns that bullying and provocation could be an issue among trainees in the National Service Training Programme (NS) 3.0, according to findings by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Security.
The PSSC said that even though the trial run of NS 3.0 would not involve a “junior-senior” relationship among participants, bullying and provocation are still risks.
“There are concerns that bullying or provocation may happen among trainees.
“A 24-hour supervision on trainees and the installation of CCTVs are being planned to address this issue,” said the PSSC in its report tabled in Parliament yesterday.
The PSSC said the recruitment of trainees under NS 3.0 must check the criminal records of applicants.
“Trainees with misdemeanour records can be accepted. But those involved in serious crime or have an ongoing court case, will not be allowed to join the programme,” said the PSSC.
The PSSC said it tabled its findings to the Defence Ministry (Mindef) which informed that the NS 3.0 is being thoroughly planned to ensure a harmonious and conducive environment to prevent bullying and ragging cases.
“Coaches will provide 24-hour supervision by staying with trainees and they will be supported by policies and rules that can ensure the wellbeing of all parties throughout the programme,” it said.
The PSSC also said Mindef had given a commitment that in future, prospective trainees would be required to go through a security background check before they apply to join the NS 3.0.
Last Thursday, the PSSC on Nation-building, Education and Human Resources Development recommended Putrajaya not to proceed with NS 3.0 and proposed more studies be conducted before it was reintroduced.
It said the programme had no clear objectives since it was first implemented in 2004.
Meanwhile, the PSSC said its findings found that the RM8 daily allowances for trainees were insufficient.
“The rate is too low and we proposed to increase the rate,” it said.
“Putrajaya should consider increasing the allowances given the rise in the cost of living and it can also incentivise trainees to participate in National Service,” it added.
The PSSC said there were concerns about wastage for logistics spending whereby weaknesses were found in the financial management of bus rentals and purchase of uniforms during the previous National Service programmes.
The PSSC also said the module for NS 3.0 should be evaluated periodically to ensure that its objectives are met.
“Concerns were raised that frequent module changes will affect consistency and effectiveness of the programme,” it said.
The committee also said the module drafted by the Higher Education Ministry must ensure that the “Nationhood” subject would be streamlined with public higher education institutions (IPTAs) across the country.
The PSSC said it would monitor the implementation of the NS 3.0, including its trial run.
“The PSSC on Security will act as a check-and-balance body in the NS 3.0, to ensure transparency and programme efficiency,” it added.
The PSSC also proposed that NS 3.0 trainees be evaluated using a clear benchmark mechanism to determine the efficiency of the training modules.
“This is needed to ensure that trainees are more patriotic and have a deep understanding regarding the national social and political landscape, which is the most important element,” added the PSSC.
Meanwhile, a proceeding report of the PSSC’s meeting on Dec 2 in Parliament detailed discussions over the issue, where Malaysia Institute of Defence and Security (MiDAS) chief executive Mejar-Jen Datuk Ya’cob Samiran gave a briefing on NS 3.0.
According to Ya’cob, RM38mil was allocated for the NS 3.0 programme next year, which includes RM4mil for its trial phase early next year.
“The RM38mil includes the maintenance of camp facilities, basic operations and the salaries of staff, as well as allowance for trainees,” he added.
Mindef will carry out a 45-day trial run from Jan 22 till Feb 25 next year for the NS 3.0 involving 200 male volunteers.
The PSSC report said the first phase of NS 3.0 would take place from June 15 until July 29 next year and the second phase from Oct 5 to Nov 18 next year.
