KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- The results of a study on the effectiveness and achievements of the National Service (NS) programme between 2003-2009 is expected to be announced at the end of the month.

National Service Department director-general Datuk Abdul Hadi Awang Kechil said the study, which was carried out by experts since November last year, was completed recently.

"The study probe into the effectiveness of the programme on former trainees and the society. The study will be submitted to the Defence Ministry, which would make the announcement," he told reporters after the presentation of prizes of the NS patriotism competition at Angkasapuri here tonight.

Besides seeking answers from 60,000 former trainees, other respondents included parents, guardians, institutions of higher learning, educational institutions and the public.

About 5,000 National Service Training Department employees and instructors were also involved in the study which was aimed at improving the modules of the programme.

Zone D (Negeri Sembilan and Melaka) was adjudged the winner of the first group of the 7/2010 series with Zone A (Kedah and Perlis) in the second place.