Oral Reply by MOS Desmond Choo to Parliamentary Question on Mental Health Trends and Support for NSFs on 4 Nov 2025

Ms Gho Sze Kee asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) what have been the recent trends in the number of full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) declaring psychological or mental health conditions prior to enlistment or seeking support while in service; and (b) what measures are in place to ensure appropriate support for those with real needs.

Minister of State for Defence, Desmond Choo:

The SAF has an established mental health support system for its national servicemen. Then Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Heng Chee How, provided a comprehensive description of the system in his response to parliamentary questions from Mr Desmond Choo and Dr Wan Rizal on 7 March 2024. The Member can refer to that reply.

That said, let me provide some updated figures. The proportion of pre-enlistees detected to have mental health issues was 9% in 2024. For our Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), 11% sought help for some form of mental health related issues in 2024. While the figures vary year to year, there has been a general upward trend over time, similar to our national youth mental health trend.

The SAF will continue to work closely with families and relevant agencies to support our servicemen’s mental well-being and health.