Trainees in shock after NS camp sealed

Trainees in shock after NS camp sealed

15 May 2012

KUALA KANGSAR: A total of 258 National Service (NS) trainees from the Tangkas Kendiri camp in Sauk near here face an uncertain fate after several sections of the camp premises were sealed off yesterday by bailiffs from the Taiping High Court.

The camp operator, Tangkas Kendiri Sdn Bhd, had been given 14 days to settle its RM1.25 million debt to Concern Development Sdn Bhd. Failure to settle the debt will see a sizeable portion of infrastructure and furniture at the camp being auctioned.

Concern Development's lawyer Ghazali Mohd Ramli was present at the campsite yesterday, to serve the consent judgment for a writ of seizure and sale from the High Court.

Tangkas Kendiri had in 2009, hired contractor Concern Development to build infrastructure for the camp on land leased from a separate private entity. In its claim, Concern Development said it was owed RM1,248,911, inclusive of interest accrued until April 27.

It was learnt, the latest batch of trainees had entered the camp on May 2 and are expected to complete their full three-month stint at the camp-site.

Among the items sealed include lights, fans, mattresses, beds, cupboards, cabinets, chairs and tables.

However, the trainees and some 40 National Service staff, comprising the camp commandant, military personnel and coaches, have not been evacuated from the site.

When contacted, National Service Training Department (JLKN) director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said the department was not involved in the company and its debt. It was only renting the premises from the camp operator.

"In the event the campsite is not available to provide National Service training, the trainees will be absorbed into other camps elsewhere.

"Parents will be notified well before, if there is a decision to relocate the trainees." he said.

He said it was the first such incident faced by JLKN.

http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/trainees-in-shock-after-ns-camp-sealed-1.84002