The National Service (NS) Department has given its assurance that trainees stranded in Kelantan will be sent to their respective camps by Friday.

Corporate communications head Zalina Abdullah said that 600 of the 1,400 trainees had been sent to their respective camps in 17 buses on Monday.

The remaining 800 will be transported from 9.30am on Friday from the Sultan Mahmud stadium in Kota Bahru, she said when contacted.

Zalina said all the departments involved have been doing their best to resolve the chaos, caused when it was found that the buses hired to transport the trainees did not have the required permits.

She also said the department will inform trainees by phone - where contact numbers are available - about pick-up points, date and time for them to report. Trainees may also contact the department at 03-26873505, 26873514, 26873513 and 26872515.

"Parents who would like to send their children personally to the respective camps may do so. They can contact us for the location of the camps," she said.

Permits problem

On Jan 1, a total of 34,313 trainees assembled at four pick-up points nationwide - Sultan Mahmud stadium, Penang International Sports Arena, Darul Aman stadium and Kamunting bus station - to be ferried to their camps for the compulsory three-month service.

The problems surrounding the failure of bus operators to obtain permits were eventually resolved in all places except Kota Bharu.

Zalina extended the department's apologies to parents and the trainees themselves, for the inconvenience they have faced.

NS chairperson Lee Lam Thye said in a press statement that trainees can apply to leave their camp for the Chinese New Year holidays.

"The trainees can leave the camps on Feb 16 after 9am to return home to celebrate Chinese New Year, but must report back to their camps on Feb 22 before 5pm," he said.

He said the department will not pay the fare but will provide transportation for the trainees between the camps and transport terminals on the two dates.

He added that there will be no extension of the holiday since trainees will have a week off for the celebrations.