The cabinet has decided that female national service trainees must undergo a pregnancy test, said National Service Department director-general Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil.

Abdul Hadi told reporters in Kuala Kubu Baru today that the decision was made last month and the third batch of trainees for this year, which began training two days ago, will be first to be subjected to this test.

He said that those who are found to be pregnant would be able to postpone their training.

"The decision was made following discussions with the defence ministry and studies by the women, family and community development ministry regarding pregnancy tests on draftees," he said, according to Bernama .

The study was initiated in 2011, involving 4,500 respondents comprising trainees and parents. He said the study found that 94 percent of respondents agreed with the test.

Abdul Hadi added that the decision was also made with unborn children in mind.

Bernama reports that defence ministry data showed that since national service was introduced in 2004, there has been six cases of trainees giving birth while undergoing the programme.