Written Reply by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, to Parliamentary Question on NS Defaulters

Mr Ang Wei Neng: To ask the Minister for Defence (a) for the past 10 years, what has been the number of outstanding National Service (NS) defaulters; (b) how many have been eventually charged or pardoned; (c) what have been the efforts to trace and prosecute NS defaulters especially when they are overseas; and (d) what are the criteria for providing clemency to NS defaulters, if at all.

Dr Ng Eng Hen:

Over the past 10 years, an average of about 350 National Service (NS) defaulters each year have either failed to register or enlist for NS, or failed to return after their Exit Permit has expired. Among these, about one third have been arrested or have come forward to resolve their Enlistment Act offences. 

Efforts to trace and contact NS defaulters include sending registered mails to their last known place of residence (including their overseas address), house visits to their local addresses, and contact tracing through educational institutions that they have attended. The enforcement and punishment of NS defaulters is governed by the Enlistment Act and judicial processes. MINDEF works with the Police to arrest these defaulters. Those who are charged have their punishments meted out by the Courts in accordance with the Enlistment Act.