NS suspends water-based activities

YOUTHS slated for the National Service training this May will not be undergoing waterbased activities.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the decision was made after trainee R. Vinoth died in the Terkok camp in Sg Siput Utara last month.

“I have decided to take out the water training module for this coming session for all camps,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

He also said the ministry was considering using swimming pools instead of man-made lakes for future water-based training activities.

Vinoth, 18, from Shah Alam, Selangor, was reported to have died of suspected leptospirosis which is caused by rat urine poisoning.

Ahmad Zahid also said the Terkok camp will not be reopened until the National Service Training Department had monitored it and was satisfied with the level of health and facilities there.

Ahmad Zahid had earlier said in the Dewan Rakyat that the Government had no plans to review the NS training programme following Vinoth’s death.

“The call to suspend or to review the programme is a step backward. We know certain matters cannot be avoided,’’ he said in reply to a supplementary question from Fong Po Kuan (DAP-BATU Gajah) during Question Time.

Ahmad Zahid also said the Government would not compromise on taking action if camp commandants, officers, trainees or operators were found to be involved in events leading to Vinoth’s death.