Sekinchan: A total of 85 percent of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans embark on second careers after completing their military service, as revealed by Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari. Most veterans transition into roles as entrepreneurs or positions within the security industry and various sectors of the private sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Defence Ministry (MINDEF) collaborates closely with the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) to ensure veterans have access to suitable second career opportunities. Adly highlighted that since the majority of veterans retire from military service around the age of 40, they possess significant potential to continue contributing to multiple industries. Speaking at the Sabak Bernam district Peduli Veteran MADANI (PVM) programme in Jalan Sentosa, Pasir Panjang, Adly emphasized the importance of the MyWIRA Veteran programme by MINDEF and KESUMA as an essential platform for placing veterans in roles that require a highly skilled and disciplined workforce.
Further, Adly expressed openness to the idea of involving veterans in border control operations, such as the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complexes under the Home Ministry's jurisdiction. He noted that the Veterans' Affairs Department and MINDEF are receptive to leveraging veterans' experience and pointed out the success of assigning veterans as forest rangers, with 300 veterans currently in such roles.
Adly also addressed the proposal of employing veterans as wardens at MARA Junior Science Colleges, suggesting that further discussions are necessary to determine appropriate roles for veterans in these institutions.
In related developments, Adly announced that the government plans to construct 62 new houses nationwide this year, with 15 of these projects developed in collaboration with Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) and the Veterans' Affairs Department. Acknowledging the pressing housing needs, he stated that when new construction is not feasible, renovations will be prioritized. This year, the aim is to renovate 220 houses, averaging 20 to 30 houses per state.