PARLIAMENT A PKR MP has proposed that the government holds separate camps for male and female national service trainees to avoid "uncontrolled mingling".

Debating the budget speech in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Zuraida Kamaruddin (PKR-Ampang) said the country has enough infrastructure to implement such a policy.

"I want to propose the segregation of female and male trainees. We have many camps, why not two or three of them be used specially for women participants, with women trainers.

"This is to avoid uncontrolled mingling, since there have been many rape and outrage of modesty cases," Zuraida said, urging the Defence Ministry to consider her proposal.

The PKR Wanita chief said she also supported the government's plan to review the national service to make it more focused, adding, "it has to be focused as it is meant to build the character and patriotism of the trainees".

Under the present national service system, a camp can comprise male and female trainees but their dormitories are segregated.

However, trainees are mixed together for certain activities, such as when attending classes.

In her speech, Zuraida also urged the government to further empower women by providing them with opportunities to hold important positions in government.

She also urged a better support system for women, such as in childcare.

"There are many professional women but after they get married they are worried about going back to work as they do not know if their children will be in capable hands," Zuraida said.