A longer period of military-style national service could help produce more moral, disciplined and patriotic youth, said Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Najib, on a visit to South Korea, said his government is prepared to consider extending the current three-month national service programme, the state Bernama news agency reported.

"If you ask me, one year is most ideal, but two years would be better," Najib told a group of Malaysian students in Seoul, where he was on an official visit.

The military-style national service training programme for 18-year-olds started in 2004 to boost patriotism and racial integration among the country's multi-ethnic population.

It incorporates firearms training and basic fitness alongside lectures and group workshops designed to foster racial unity.

Najib said various factors, including a delay in students' entrance to university, would have to be considered if national service were to be extended.

South Korea's youth also undergo national service but Najib said a longer period of training was necessary there because the country faces a greater security threat.

Malaysia's national service programme has come under scrutiny recently after an 18-year-old girl became the twelfth trainee to die while serving, local media have reported.