I would like to express my sincere concerns in regards to the implementation of the National Service programme right at this point of time.

I have heard many complaints from friends regarding the programme's improper infrastructure. The authorities should take steps to build proper infrastructure and facilities before ushering the new recruits in. They should not build half-completed camps and facilities next to construction sites.

The cleanliness and hygiene of the training facilities should also be checked and maintained as complaints from female recruits have been overwhelming. The cleanliness of water supplied to some facilities is also suspect as the water had to be transported in from elsewhere due to a lack of piped water at the training site.

This also gives rise to the concern that there may not be enough water to drink. Another matter is the standard of the food served with several complaints that it was tasteless and not hygienically prepared.

One of my cousins who is in the National Service now, cries each time she talks to her parents as the whole experience for her so far has been dreadful. She said another girl who was not feeling well because of an asthma attack was given painkillers instead of being sent to the doctor.

Sometimes I wonder if this National Service implementation is worth it. I believe girls should not be exposed to this kind of training at such a tender age of their lives and especially being separated from their parents for three months.

What will happen if a death occurs in one of the training facilities. There have already been cases of sexual abuse and harassment. In future, these problems could be a major embarrassment to the government and if careful and proper steps to avoid this problem are not taken now, there could be a backlash.

Are the authorities waiting for a problem to happen before they take any action? They always do.

The politicians who implemented this National Service speak of the various benefits but miss the whole point completely as social integration is not about putting different races together but making them understands the importance of their difference and respecting it

If the politicians think that they're right, why not put every 18-year-old into the programme rather then choosing them randomly? Why should some only benefit from the National Service implementation? Is this called social integration?

What the public sees in the media of National Service trainees laughing and having a good time is nothing but official propaganda. The National Service programme is not perfect and there should be exposure on the various problems and glitches no matter how unsavory.

There should be thorough and frequent reports in the mainstream media on the activities at the facilities and on the mental and physical condition of the trainees. Or is it that our media can only produce 'feel good' reports?