Mr Don Wee: To ask the Minister for Defence (a) what has been the percentage change in National Service deferment for essential in-camp training for March to August 2020 compared to the average over the last three years; (b) which category for deferment has seen the largest increase; (c) whether the Ministry will consider providing make-up pay to 'job seekers' who have turned to jobs in the gig economy instead of allowing these job seekers to defer; and (d) whether the Ministry can work with companies to permit such workers to maintain their incentive levels while they are serving in-camp training.

Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen

From April to August 2020, all in-camp trainings (ICT) call-ups, except those for critical security operations or national COVID-19 efforts, were suspended due to the COVID-19 situation.

NSmen who hold jobs in the "gig economy" are eligible for Make-Up Pay similar to employed individuals in the formal economy. MINDEF does include their incentive quantums in the calculation of Make-Up Pay if the relevant supporting documents are submitted.