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Tawau: Deputy Defence Minister Dato Zainal Abidin Zain said the use of M16 rifles by National Service trainees might be introduced next year.It had been agreed, in principle, to seek the assistance of the police, Rela and army during the shooting practices, he said after visiting the NS camp at Shan Shui Club and Golf Resort, Tuesday.

However, there has been no proposal on the use of firearms for foot drills, other than shooting practices, he said.

Zainal Abidin said the main issue here would be the acquisition of a suitable firing range for the target practices, particularly in areas close to the training camps to be placed under the care of the Royal Malaysian Navy and army.

In the meantime, the National Service Management could use the firing range in Semporna for the Sandakan trainees, while those in Tawau could use the firing range in Tawau.

On another note, he assured that the security situation at the Malaysian border areas was well under control, with experienced security personnel at the helm.