Response to Berita Harian Forum Letter on "NS allowance for full-time National Servicemen (NSFs)"

National Service a Duty to Country

I refer to your letter dated 22 June 2011 regarding the NS allowance for full-time National Servicemen (NSFs).

National Service (NS) is a duty to the country and not an employment. NSFs are therefore paid an allowance and not wages like salaried employees.  The quantum of NS allowance is dependent on the rank and vocation of the NSF and takes into account typical expenditures that NSFs incur for basic personal upkeep such as their transportation and meals.  MINDEF reviews the NS allowance regularly; most recently in October 2009.  

Over the years, the Government has been recognising the contributions of NSFs in different ways. For example, citizen NSFs are eligible for the National Service Recognition Award of $3000 (for non-commanders) or $3,500 (for commanders) upon their completion of full-time NS. Citizen NSFs also receive extra Growth Dividends of $100 as announced in Budget 2011. 

We thank you for your feedback and we will continue to look for ways to recognise the contributions of our NSFs.

Colonel Desmond Tan
Director, Public Affairs
Ministry of Defence
 
MINDEF's reply was published as "NS tanggungjawab pada negara", Berita Harian, 25 Jun 2011