Kota Tinggi:The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is set to repurpose undeveloped Malaysian Armed Forces land to enhance national food security and support veterans' socioeconomic welfare.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced the initiative as part of the JanaVeteran Programme, in partnership with Boustead Plantations (BPlant). The program aims to make productive use of land that has remained idle for up to 15 years due to a lack of development plans.

The initiative will also offer job opportunities to retired military personnel, with about 5,000 veterans retiring annually. Those interested in agriculture will be introduced to this program, providing them income and keeping them engaged.

Khaled emphasized that food security needs urgent attention, as shortages or high costs could pose national security threats, similar to the risks posed by prolonged haze. The JanaVeteran pilot project has already started with the cultivation of KayTi ginger at Ladang Telok Sengat, ensuring a market for participants through BPlant's purchase of the produce.

Further efforts include making Kota Tinggi the main producer of KayTi ginger, supported by the JanaKomuniti Programme at Felda Air Tawar 3 and Felda Air Tawar 2. Khaled envisions this district as the nation's food valley, achieving recognition for its ginger products once the program succeeds.

The JanaKomuniti Programme is part of BPlant's corporate social responsibility initiatives, with backing from the Kota Tinggi Parliamentary Office, focusing on clustered fertigation ginger farming projects.