PETALING JAYA: The compulsory training with M16 rifles for National Service (NS) trainees from June 25 is not a military training, said National Service Training Council chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

"This is not a military training. Actually, during their three months training, they will be given only one chance (to use it), not everyday," he said.

Lee said NS training programmes were designed to enhance patriotic spirit and help promote integrity and unity.

"I would say it is a once in a lifetime experience. How many people will get a chance to have a feel of it?" he asked.

"What is important here is, we have to ensure the shooting training is done safely and under very tight supervision. Safety aspect is given higher priority," he said.

He added that each trainee would be escorted by an army personnel during the training.

The government announced on Monday it is now compulsory for all NS trainees to be trained to use the M16 rifle, beginning with the next session from June 25 to Sept 16. Only those with a doctor's letter are permitted to skip the training, previously available to those who volunteered for it.

In a Bernama report, NS training department director-general Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid said new measures would be introduced into the NS programme to prevent problems such as rape, assaults and fights.

He told reporters that new measures which included isolating hot-tempered trainees and ensuring zero body contact between male and female trainees would be put in place to prevent untoward incidents.

A "Room Leader" would be appointed to monitor the safety of trainees in their respective dormitories, and inform the trainers of any quarrels or small fights among trainees.