KUALA LUMPUR: An agricultural programme has been set up for about 40 military veterans, aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods after retirement.
The programme, a collaboration between the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) and the Defence Ministry, will see agricultural land owned by the ministry developed and managed to create income-generating opportunities for former Armed Forces personnel.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the programme would begin with a 20ha project in Selangor, involving areas in Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor.
"If the initial phase is successful, there are plans to expand the initiative further," he told reporters after signing a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and AKPS during the Defence Services Asia and National Security Asia 2026 on Tuesday (April 21).
Under the project, veterans cultivate short-term cash crops, including chilli using fertigation methods, cucumbers and other fast-yield produce.
"PKPS will serve as the farm manager, overseeing the entire agricultural process from seed selection and planting techniques to harvesting and marketing.
"It will also leverage its existing distribution channels to ensure produce reaches the market efficiently," he said.
Amirudin said the ministry is expected to provide initial funding to kick start operations.
Training for participants will be conducted concurrently with farming activities, allowing veterans to gain hands-on experience without undergoing lengthy preliminary courses, Amirudin said.
PKPS chief executive officer Datuk Dr Mohamad Khairil Mohamad Razi said 20ha had been allocated for the initial run and participants would be allocated half a hectare each.
"This will also involve 2,000 polybags (of plants) and we ensure that the minimum wage accrued will be RM2,100 a month.
"This does not include bonuses given when crops are sold after three months, which we estimate will generate an additional RM2,100," he said.
"Training will be given to those chosen after a screening process. Some might be more interested in the marketing and sales aspects while others in the planting and farming processes.
"Training will be tailored to their interests. No prior experience is required and all plots of land will be given without cost to the participants," he said.
