Netizens doubt Govt’s sincerity in honouring NSmen’s sacrifice with S$200 LifeSG credits

On 30 October, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced in a joint statement that approximately 1.2 million past and present national servicemen (NSmen) will receive S$200 in LifeSG credits in November 2024, recognising their vital contributions to Singapore’s defence and security.

As announced during the 2024 Budget, MINDEF and the MHA will progressively disburse S$200 LifeSG credits to eligible NSmen. These credits will be automatically credited to the LifeSG app by 30 November 2024.

The credits will remain valid for one year from the date of disbursement.

NSmen can access their credits and check their validity through the LifeSG app, and credits can be utilised at any online or physical merchant that accepts payments via PayNow UEN or NETS QR.

Eligibility for the credits extends to all operationally ready NSmen and full-time national servicemen (NSFs), including those NSFs who enlist by 31 December 2024.

In 2022, the government announced a S$100 credit through LifeSG as part of the NS55 Recognition Package, intended to express gratitude to NSmen for their contributions to Singapore’s defence and security as the country celebrated 55 years of National Service.

Netizens Question the Value of National Service Amid S$200 Payout

However, observations of netizens’ comments on Reddit and Facebook revealed that some ridiculed the authorities’ sincerity in acknowledging NSmen’s sacrifices, questioning whether the S$200 payout truly reflected the value of defending the country and how the government valued their service.

One comment sarcastically remarked that the S$200 will hardly compensate for the two years he lost to full-time national service, adding “Thank you PAP, I will remember this when voting at the next GE.”

There are also discussions on how they plan to utilize the credits, with some noting that the amount might only cover groceries for a week.

One Redditor pointed out that the payout is equivalent to just 20 McDonald’s meals, while another commented that the S$200 “is bigger than the bullock wheel.”

Some also scrutinised whether this is a politically motivated handout from the government with elections looming.

“1.2M NSmen Defending a Population of 6.04M”

One comment pointed out that the 1.2 million past and present NSmen form a substantial group, though still a smaller portion of Singapore’s resident population of 6.04 million, especially considering that this number includes transient residents who have not contributed to NS obligations over the decades.

The Redditor lamented that this implies that 19.86% of the population has sacrificed their time and youth to defend the remaining 80.14% who are currently here.

One netizen expressed frustration, stating, “Give up 2 years of earnings from being able to find a job outside for S$200. While some dont have to serve at all.”

According to the Government’s latest Population in Brief report released last month, the citizen population stood at 3.64 million in June 2024, while the Permanent Resident (PR) population was 544,900 during the same period.

Additionally, the non-resident (NR) population increased from 1.77 million in June 2023 to 1.86 million in June 2024.

Redditor Highlights the Challenges Encountered by Reservists

A Redditor called on the government to properly compensate NSFs and to stop criticising individuals who are trying to make a living while serving excessively long reservist stints of 2 to 3 weeks.

While one comment argued that “2-3 weeks of paid holiday is awesome,” another Redditor discussed the struggles faced by reservists.

He highlight the difficulty in transitioning back into a work mindset after periods of national service (NS). The shift from junior college (JC) to NS and then to university can create additional adjustment challenges, especially for those who are not accustomed to the local school environment.

The Redditor also pointed out that self-employed reservists may find it difficult to be compensated adequately during their reservist duties. They risk missing client deadlines and losing contracts, as they cannot attend to their work responsibilities during that time.

To illustrate their points, the Redditor uses the example of a hawker who goes on reservist duty, questioning who would take over the stall in their absence, “Ask for a favour from a family member? What if the food the replacement cooks is worse? Risk losing the reputation of the store? ”

Instead of spending the credits, some suggested allocating the amount to current NSFs: