KOTA TINGGI: Long-term employment and economic empowerment, rather than reliance solely on welfare assistance, will be the focus of support for military veterans, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the ministry is shifting its approach towards supporting military veterans to ensure their sustainable livelihoods.
While existing help such as medical support, educational assistance and one-off financial aid remains important, he said it is insufficient to guarantee sustainable livelihoods for the veterans.
“We want to move beyond welfare and provide opportunities that can guarantee a more dignified and stable life for them,” he told a press conference after launching the JanaVeteran programme here yesterday.
Khaled said the initiative aligns with the ministry’s goal of improving veterans’ well-being through structured employment opportunities.
Under the programme, Boustead Plantations is providing land within its estates for veterans to participate in cash crop farming.
He said crops such as ginger and pepper have been identified under a pilot project involving 12 sectors, offering opportunities to 15 participants.
“At present, seven participants have started and each is guaranteed an income of about RM3,000 per month as Boustead acts as the off-taker for the produce,” he added.
He said that the programme would be expanded nationwide, noting that Boustead has 42 estates, with at least 10% of the land potentially convertible for such purpose.
He said the ministry is also looking to extend similar opportunities beyond agriculture to include the maintenance, repair and overhaul sector, as well as other defence-related industries.
“We want companies that secure contracts with the ministry to also play a role in providing employment opportunities for veterans,” he added.
Khaled noted that there are about 400,000 veterans, with around 5,000 retiring each year, many of whom are still in their 40s and able to contribute to the workforce.
He said targeted programmes were necessary to ensure this group does not face limited job prospects after leaving the armed forces.
Among the initiatives introduced is the Work-Based Learning programme, which allows veterans to gain formal qualifications based on their skills and experience.
“For example, a mechanic who has served for 20 years can be assessed by universities and awarded a diploma, improving his employability and income potential,” he said.
He added that the ministry is also working with industries to provide training that leads directly to employment, rather than leaving veterans to seek jobs on their own.
On a separate matter, Khaled said Malaysian peacekeeping troops in Lebanon remain safe despite recent encounters with the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
He said there had been several incidents in which Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-13 personnel had encountered the IDF but stressed that these were not confrontations.
“There were situations where they encountered each other but no action was taken by the IDF.
“We are grateful that no untoward incidents occurred,” he added.
Khaled described the encounters as recent, adding that instructions have since been issued to prevent any recurrence.
He said Malaysian troops in Lebanon have been reminded to remain vigilant at all times given the evolving security situation.
“We are a peacekeeping force.
“Our role does not involve offensive operations as stipulated under our mandate,” he added.
He said that Malaysian personnel are deployed under the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission which governs their operations and conduct on the ground.
He added that priority remains the safety and security of all Malaysian troops stationed in the conflict area.
“If necessary, they will remain in bunkers and limit movement to ensure their safety,” he added.
Khaled said Malaysia is bound by UN procedures and cannot unilaterally withdraw its troops without following proper processes.
“We must understand that decisions involving deployment and command fall under the UN once we agree to participate,” he said.
He added that all measures would be taken to safeguard personnel, including suspending certain duties if the situation worsens.
There are currently more than 500 Malbatt (Malaysian Battalion) personnel serving in Lebanon under the peacekeeping mission.
