Jottings

Yesterday, I posted several photos taken from my recent visit to the Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara Kuala Kubu Bharu. Below is the story:

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Effie creates family history for being the first in our family to undergo the Khidmat Negara (National Service) training. My two cousins and I were not selected to undergo the National Service training for the 2004 (b. 1986) and 2005 (b. 1987) batch. At that point in my life, I considered myself very lucky to officially ‘escape’ National Service.

This is my nephew Effie

I’ve read so much regarding National Service, both the good, the bad, and the ugly. National Service was introduced in our country in 2004 and over this short span of time, of course it is far from perfect.

Another view of the camp area. Was told this is the most beautiful NS camp

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit my nephew Effie at the Pusat Latihan Khidmat Negara Kuala Kubu Bharu. It was an opportunity for me to observe and experience what life is like for our Wira and Wirawati negara.

Both my cousin and my mum pointed at Effie, but I couldn’t recognize him from far. He was wearing the NS uniform and he looked different than his usual self (dyed hair, piercings here and there, etc. You know how teenagers are these days.) This time around, he looked smart and disciplined.

Visitors can 'lepak' at this area

Here are some things I learned from Effie:

• Trainees have to wake up at 5am and they sleep around 11.30pm.
• They do many activities all day long; was told there are even classes (but I guess it’s more motivational classes?)
• If there are no activities, the trainees can relax, without messing the bed. Everything must be tidy at all times. Discipline! Discipline!
• Trainees are well fed. When I met Effie, he just ate even though lunch was just around the corner
• Handphones are not allowed, except for weekends
• If one person from the dorm breaks the law, the whole people in that dorm would be punished (e.g. caught smoking, etc.)
• Outside friends are not allowed to visit unless accompanied by the trainee’s parents.
• Parents are allowed to meet on weekends (unless you do not want to be seen as a Momma’s Boy! But then again, what’s wrong with that, especially if you’re feeling a little homesick??)
• Christian trainees will be driven to the nearby Church for Sunday Mass. It just shows that each religion are practised and special arrangements would be made to go to a mosque, church, temple, etc.
• Hantu?? (Ok. NO GHOSTS IN KUALA KUBU BHARU!!)

It was definitely an eye-opener to visit a National Service camp. I can sense that my nephew Effie is a little homesick and I am definitely sure that if I was a trainee, I would feel homesick too! But then again, I do not have to worry much because I wasn’t selected. LOL!

A quick photo op with my nephew

To Effie: Be strong, don’t miss home so much and enjoy the time there. I’m sure by the 3rd month, you don’t even want to go home!! We will come back again to bring some food cooked by your grandmother!!  Hope to see a NEW YOU by the time you end your training!