The first batch of trainees for the national service programme will be notified by the end of December, said Deputy Defence Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal.

Other details of the scheme - such as insurance coverage, allowances and names of members of the National Service Training Council - will be revealed at the same time.

"We are in the final stage of preparation, don't worry," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today, after he wound up his ministry's response to the 2004 Budget committee-stage debate in the Dewan Rakyat.

Response time

A total of 100,000 Malaysians born in 1986 will be selected as trainees for the first year of the implementation. However, the first course - to run for three months from February next year - will only involve 16,000 to 17,000 trainees.

Mohd Shafie said the first batch will be given a certain period to respond to the ministry after they receive the notification letter.

He explained that this is to allow those offered study-courses abroad to proceed with their plans for now.

"However, they cannot escape the (mandatory) training. They will have to inform us about any breaks in the courses, when they apply officially to postpone training - it is not possible that they will be studying all the time from age 18 to 35," he said.

Under the National Service Training Act , those from 16-35 years of age must undergo training if selected. However, implementation will first focus on youth aged 18 and SPM school-leavers.

The bill was passed during the last Dewan Rakyat sitting in June. Trainees absent without reason or leave are liable to a maximum fine of RM3,000 and/or six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

Similar punishment will also be imposed on those who abet them, including those who issue any false statement meant to deceive the authorities.

Approval pending

Asked about the daily allowance rate and insurance coverage for each trainee, the deputy minister said the ministry has proposed the amounts to the Treasury Department and is awaiting approval.

He also said the National Service Training Council members have been identified, but refused to reveal who they are.

The council is empowered to oversee the training. It will consist of a chairperson, five members representing the government and between three and five members who will represent the country's major ethnic groups.

Mohd Shafie would only say there will be "quite a number of personnel" working for the council, which will be based in the ministry's office in Kuala Lumpur.

"I am confident (that the programme can be implemented), especially after a month-long trial run was done earlier this month. The training will help youth despite the short (training) duration," he said.

"At least the government is doing something to re-align the mentality and heart of youngsters...this will definitely help in curbing social ills."

The idea of national training was mooted by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad last October to foster patriotism, encourage racial integration and develop positive and noble traits among the younger generation.

The training will focus on basic military training, patriotic training and personal development including community service.

A total of RM500 million was allocated for the scheme under the 2004 budget proposals.