Kota kinabalu: A total of 225 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans have received benefits from the Rural Entrepreneurship Enhancement Support (SPKLB) grant, amounting to RM1.13 million, since 2023 until now. Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari stated they are part of the 1,975 MAF veterans engaged in the MAF Veteran Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme across the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Defence, through PERHEBAT, is planning several initiatives for the MAF veteran entrepreneur empowerment programme. The goal is to assist in the socio-economic development of these veterans to ensure their future prosperity. The programme acts as a facilitator by connecting, matching, and channeling entrepreneurial incentives such as expert services, facilities, grants, and training necessary for veteran entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
Adly spoke at the completion of the Sabah MAF Veteran Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme and during the presentation of SPKLB grants to nine MAF veteran entrepreneurs. He advised MAF veterans to utilize various other entrepreneurial schemes provided by the government, including grants from the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative and the Ministry of Finance. Furthermore, he encouraged veterans to explore high-growth and high-value industries like energy transition, technology and digital, electricity and electronics, as well as agriculture and modern agro-based industries.
Adly expressed confidence that the MAF veteran entrepreneur group could contribute to the efforts of the 13th Malaysia Plan, aiming to transform Malaysia into a consumption powerhouse that produces products and services. Meanwhile, Mohd Ali Osman, an MAF veteran and SPKLB grant recipient, shared his entrepreneurial journey. He and his wife produce four types of Menaq sambal products, which include salted fish sambal, dried shrimp, spicy soy sauce, and spicy tuhau sambal.
Mohd Ali began his business with Menaq's salty faith sauce in 2016 after retiring from the MAF. His product now reaches markets as far as Brunei Darussalam and is promoted via TikTok, with some being brought to Germany by friends. He estimates producing over 400 bottles (400 grammes each) per month and also offers 50-gramme and 80-gramme packs. The product received halal certification in 2024. Mohd Ali acknowledged the government assistance, which has enhanced the production quality of sambal products, aligning with his goal to supply sambal packages to Tabung Haji.