SUNGAI BULOH: Up to 5,000 Armed Forces veterans have been targeted to receive job placements by 2030 through the Lindung Kerjaya MyFutureJobs Wira programme, says Human Resources Minister R. Ramanan.
He said efforts would be further strengthened this year, with a target to impact more than 2,500 veterans and achieve a minimum placement rate of 45%.
“Our goal is not only to ensure job opportunities but to empower our veterans to obtain dignified wages in line with their expertise and discipline.
“Hiring them not only provides the industry with a competent workforce, but is also a strategic measure to reduce dependence on foreign workers,” he said in his speech yesterday at a memoranda of understanding signing and exchange ceremony between the Ex-Serviceman Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) and Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV) with the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO).
Also present was Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The MOU exchange was carried out between Perhebat director-general Datuk Amir Md Noor, JHEV director-general Mejar Jeneral Datuk Semaon Marjuki and PERKESO group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
Ramanan described the MOU as a clear and operational framework ensuring all veterans have access to job opportunities and social security.
Among the areas prioritised include an official identity verification process by both JHEV and Perhebat, allowing veterans exclusive access to job opportunities through data integration between the MYFutureJobs and Veteran Integrated Benefit System to strengthen job matching prospects.
Ramanan said that 5,530 veterans had successful placements across various job sectors between 2020 and 2025.
“Last year, 573 veterans began new careers in the manufacturing sector, which provided veterans the most job placements followed by the service and technical sectors,” he said, adding that more than 14,000 veterans have registered at the MYFutureJobs portal.
“When servicemen end their terms, the real challenge lies in employers not realising that these individuals are a complete package.
“They possess discipline, leadership, mental fortitude, are highly skilled and filled with integrity,” he said.
Khaled said the collaboration between Perhebat, JHEV and PERKESO will further develop a comprehensive ecosystem that connects veterans strategically through career mapping that is based on the veteran’s locality and industry.
“These efforts ensure veterans nationwide can have dignified jobs,” he said.
He said the initiative also aligns with the Defence Ministry’s objectives through the National Defence Industry Policy and Perhebat Transformation Plan 2026-2035 that prioritises empowering veterans to achieve a second career.
According to Khaled, about 5,000 Armed Forces personnel retire from the force annually with a large number comprising those aged between 39 and 41.
