Brigade to start next year

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THE proposed voluntary brigade which consists of former National Service (NS) trainees is expected to be launched by February next year.

National Service Training Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said the department was working towards formally unveiling the brigade within the next five months.

Currently, the department is working on outlining the scope of duties, skills training and the proper uniform for the brigade members, who would be volunteers.

Safety first: Abdul Hadi checking the safety belts of the trainers before the flying fox demonstration during his visit to the White Resort National Service training camp in Balik Pulau

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has also decided that these voluntary brigades will ope-rate from all of the NS camps that are available in the country,” said Abdul Hadi in Penang.

He was commenting on the announcement by Najib on Oct 14 that the Federal Government was setting up a voluntary brigade to be made up of former NS trainees.

The announcement was made at the ‘Kami Anak 1Malaysia’ assembly at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Through the brigade, the former trainees will be absorbed into performing various community activities.

Strong and proud: The trainees singing patriotic songs during the event

They may also be called up to render their services during natural disasters.

Abdul Hadi urged all the former NS trainees to join the brigade as it provides them an opportunity to serve their respective communities.

“Besides that, the brigade also provides the former trainees a sense of belonging as all of them will be able to share fond memories from their experiences gained while undergoing the NS programme,” said Abdul Hadi.

Earlier, he visited the White Resort NS training camp in Balik Pulau yesterday to check on the facilities available at the camp.

Watch closely: The trainers showing what to do in case of a trainee is suspended in mid-air during a flying fox session

“Since the trainees will be undergoing the physical activities starting from this week onwards, we are here to make sure that all aspects of the camp are ready and in good condition,” said Abdul Hadi.

During the visit, the trainers at the camp also conducted a flying fox demonstration to the trainees as well as on how to check their equipment.