Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song: To ask the Minister for Defence whether there has been any consideration towards raising the allowances for full-time National Servicemen in view of inflationary pressures and increases in the cost of living.

Senior Minister of State for Defence, Heng Chee How:

Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) receive an allowance to support their basic personal upkeep. The allowance takes into account that lodging, food, clothing and medical care are provided for by the Singapore Armed Forces and the Home Team given that most NSFs stay in camp.

MINDEF regularly reviews and adjusts the allowance. Three adjustments have been made over the last ten years, the most recent being in March 2020. MINDEF will continue to conduct such regular reviews and where necessary, adjust the allowances.