NILAI: National service training camp operators are given six months to obtain the ISO certification to enable them to continue operating.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said only 10 per cent of the operators managing the 79 camps nationwide possessed the ISO certificate.
"The implementation of the certification is aimed at ensuring that all the work systems and operations at the camps are more organised and systematic, hence providing quality service.
"These are private operators appointed to manage the PLKN camps such as in providing meals, handling the training and managing the facilities," he told a news conference after visiting the Sri Perkasa PLKN Camp in Mantin, here.
Hishammuddin said if the camp operators failed to obtain the certification, their services could be terminated to ensure quality management and safety of the trainees.
"For as long as they have not improved, there will be no camp for them to operate as we will not compromise on safety and the success of this national service training programme."
As for the National Service Training Department (JLKN), he said all its camps and also its headquarters had obtained the ISO certification except for two, namely the Muadzam Shah PKLN Camp in Pahang and Marang PLKN Camp in Terengganu which failed to meet the standards and were closed temporarily.
Hishammuddin said that a meeting with the National Service Training Council (MLKN) was expected to be held next week to fine-tune things, and to decide on a bigger plan and clearer direction for the PLKN programme.
"The achievements so far that we have been proud of are not enough and we want to shift to a higher level, especially with regard to the spirit of volunteerism and patriotism," he said.
Also present during his visit were MLKN chairman Datuk Noor Ehsanuddin Mohd Harun Narashid and JLKN director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil. - Bernama
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