(Kuching, 12th) Private companies are urged to play an active role by providing more employment opportunities for retired Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans.
According to Datuk Khairul Annuar, the Commander of the 1st Malaysian Infantry Division, a study conducted in 2023 by the Malaysian Veterans Affairs Organization on the effectiveness of transformation training showed that 72.3% of veterans successfully found jobs, while 27.7% are still seeking employment.
He added that among those who successfully gained employment, 65.4% chose entrepreneurship or self-employment, while 34.6% were employed by an employer.
“Therefore, I urge private companies to open up and prepare employment opportunities for veterans. This initiative is in line with the government's goals to ensure that all parties, including government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), government-linked investment companies (GLICs), and the private sector, take joint responsibility to provide veterans with opportunities for a second career, securing their future as they have made significant contributions to the country.”
Datuk Khairul Annuar stated this during a speech at the Malaysian Skills Diploma awarding ceremony and the Malaysian Veterans Affairs Organization certificate completion ceremony at the Kuching Civil Center.
He added that annually approximately 5,000 to 6,300 armed forces members retire, with 75% aged between 33 and 42.
He explained that these veterans are still in their productive years, and if given the opportunity, they can make significant contributions to the growth of the private sector.
At the same time, Datuk Khairul Annuar stated that the military has set up a space in Penrissen Camp and collaborated with the Malaysian Veterans Affairs Organization to provide them with skills training.
“We have provided them with a venue and space to start training, especially in Penrissen Camp, where a piece of land is ready to ensure that the training conducted there meets local conditions and needs.”
During the award ceremony, a total of 385 active and retired soldiers successfully completed courses organized by the Malaysian Veterans Affairs Organization.