Programme launched to aid career transition of ex-servicemen

GEORGE TOWN: A programme has been launched to pave the way for new career opportunities for retired armed forces personnel.

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the Veteran MyWira initiative is a collaboration between the ministry through its agency TalentCorp and the Defence Ministry's Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat).

"We aim to aid 500 veterans with post-retirement careers this year, and to offer 5,000 jobs yearly within the next two years," he said.

Sim said that Malaysians are in debt to military personnel as they protect the country and its people.

"We want to make sure they live with respect and dignity after retiring from the armed forces.

"I know the transition to the workforce is not an easy one and that is why we want to make a difference to make sure they find quality jobs," he told reporters after launching the programme here on Monday (Jan 22).

The initiative was launched to pave sustainable post-retirement careers and upskilling for veterans in the armed forces, he added.

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said some 3,000 to 4,000 retired armed forces personnel are currently unemployed and not entitled to.

He said those disqualified for pension benefits are retirees aged between 32 and 40 who have not served for 21 years.

Adly said some 6,000 servicemen retire from the armed forces each year.