Over 1,400 MAF Prospective Retirees, Veterans Benefit From Kerjaya Kedua Perwira

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- A total of 1,409 prospective retirees and veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have benefited from the Kerjaya Kedua Perwira initiative under the PERHEBAT Transformation Plan as of September, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.

He said that of the total, 781 veterans had successfully secured employment in high-value sectors, including aerospace, automotive, logistics and services, with average salaries ranging from RM2,970 to RM5,000.

“Meanwhile, 628 prospective MAF retirees are undergoing industry-based training,” he said at the 71st Convocation Ceremony of the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT) at Dewan Jubli Perak, PERHEBAT Complex, Sungai Buloh Camp, near here, today.

The text of his speech was read out by the Ministry of Defence’s deputy secretary-general (Management), Datin Roszanina Wahab.

Mohamed Khaled said PERHEBAT must remain proactive in enhancing the skills, competencies and employability of service personnel and veterans to enable them to pursue high-value career opportunities.

“Many of them retire in their 40s while they are still energetic and capable of working, and we should not allow their potential to go to waste.

“I urge those nearing retirement who are still able to work not to rest for too long after the transition period, but to make use of the opportunities available to find suitable employment after retirement,” he said.

Meanwhile, PERHEBAT director-general Datuk Amir Md Noor said the corporation remained committed to developing a high-performing workforce as a key asset in supporting the MADANI economic development agenda, with strong industry participation through the Kerjaya Kedua Perwira initiative.

“To date, PERHEBAT has collaborated with 513 agencies and private companies across various industries to help this group secure jobs that match their skills,” he said.

He said the close partnerships had enabled PERHEBAT to prepare the first cohort of veterans to take on operational roles with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).

Amir said 10 participants in the East Coast Rail Link Industrial Skills Training Programme (PLKI-ECRL) had successfully completed a one-year course at Liuzhou Railway Vocational Technical College in China.

“PERHEBAT will continue to strengthen an integrated ecosystem linking prospective retirees and MAF veterans with industry and the job market, allowing them to use their experience, skills and competencies to continue contributing to national development while enhancing their well-being,” he said.

A total of 4,164 MAF personnel from across the country were recognised at the convocation ceremony after successfully completing their transition training.

As of September, 833 MAF personnel and veterans had been awarded the Malaysian Skills Advanced Diploma, Malaysian Skills Diploma and Malaysian Skills Certificate through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme.

--BERNAMA