July 23, 2018, 07:00 PM 
With all eyes on National Service (NS) obligations these days, here's something all parents need to know the moment a baby boy is born in Singapore:
Your son is liable for National Service and there is never too early a time to let you know that.This appears to be the point when one Iskander Shah took the opportunity to post on Facebook a letter from the Ministry of Defence sent to parents of a newborn Singaporean son.
The letter, titled "National Service for Singapore citizens", explains Singapore's NS policies in relation to a male citizen's obligations, as well as cites the Enlistment Act.
At time of writing, Iskandar's Facebook post has close to 500 shares — despite the fact that this letter-sending is not a new procedure.
Implemented early 2017
In fact, this practice was implemented early last year, The Straits Times reported.
It is part of Mindef's efforts to "enhance awareness and understanding of NS commitments".
Two more letters are sent out when the sons are 13 and 16-and-a-half years old.
The first is to inform the parents that they should apply for an "exit permit" if their son is travelling for more than three months.
The second is a reminder to register for NS.
According to Singapore's laws, as long as male citizens have not fulfilled their NS obligations, they cannot renounce the Singapore citizenship.
With the letter, parents have little room to claim ignorance as an excuse for their sons defaulting on NS obligations.
[related_story]
Enlistment act
The Enlistment Act is a chapter dedicated to the enlistment of persons in the armed forces of Singapore.
However, in the letter above, it was cited specifically in reference to the exit permit.
You may check out the enlistment act here.
Top image from Iskandar Shah's Facebook and BMT's Facebook page
If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates.