NEWS: Card privileges for all NS trainees

SEREMBAN: National service trainees who complete their stints will get to enjoy discounts for certain services and products.

Cards, detailing service number and camp attended, will be issued to all 417,000 trainees who had attended the training since its inception in 2005.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the move would enhance the spirit of camaraderie among trainees.
Parade inspection: Ahmad Zahid inspecting a guard-of-honour mounted by trainees at the Seri Perkasa national service training camp in Mantin near Seremban Monday.

“This will be a privilege. They will be able to use the card to get discounts when travelling as well,” he said.

“We want this programme to be a success. We want to strengthen unity among the multi-racial trainees. We also want them to set up their respective alumnis so that they will remain in contact.”

Ahmad Zahid said the Malaysian national service programme was gaining popularity and other countries were contemplating to start their own programme.

Citing an example, he said the Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia met him yesterday to inquire more about the programme.

“They plan to have a similar programme. We must be proud because they like our method where the trainees are selected at random and given ample time to complete the training,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said the National Service Department would work together with the Civil Defence Department, Rela and Territorial Army to allow former trainees to volunteer at these agencies.

So far, the Government had spent RM3.2bil on national service training.