KOTA TINGGI, Malaysia: Employers who retrench or sack workers undergoing national service have come under fire from the Defence Minister.

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Government was monitoring employers after receiving complaints from former NS trainees who had lost their jobs while attending the programme.

"More than 50% of the 23,000 trainees in the third batch are employed when they joined the three-month programme.

"According to the law, the employers are obliged to pay a month's salary to the trainees. The Government has left it at the employers' discretion whether or not to pay them the remaining two months' salary," he said after launching the Tabung Kutipan Hari Pahlawan at the Desaru Gerak Khas LPKN camp in Bandar Penawar here.

Ahmad Zahid said NS trainees currently under quarantine for influenza A (H1N1) would be relocated to camps closer to their homes.

"The Government has spent over RM100,000 (S$40,940) in travelling expenses to accommodate trainees whose camps have been temporarily closed.

"The move is in response to a request from Malaysia Airlines to limit the number of people suspected of having the flu from travelling on its planes."

Over 18 camps nationwide have been temporarily shut down so far. -The Star/ANN