781 Malaysian military veterans find jobs through second-career programme
Another 628 personnel approaching retirement are receiving industry-based training under the Kerjaya Kedua Perwira initiative.
Malaysia’s Kerjaya Kedua Perwira initiative had helped 781 military veterans secure jobs by September 2026, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said. Average salaries ranged from RM2,970 to RM5,000, with placements in sectors including aerospace, automotive, logistics and services.
The initiative, part of the Perhebat Transformation Plan, had benefited 1,409 veterans and personnel approaching retirement. Of those, 628 prospective retirees were receiving industry-based training, Khaled said in a speech delivered on his behalf by Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (Management) Datin Roszanina Wahab.
His remarks were presented at Perhebat’s 71st convocation at Sungai Buloh Camp. Khaled said many service members retire in their 40s and remain capable of working. He called on Perhebat to improve their skills and employability, and encouraged those nearing retirement to pursue suitable jobs after their transition period.
Perhebat director-general Datuk Amir Md Noor said the corporation had formed partnerships with 513 agencies and private companies to connect veterans with work suited to their skills. Those partnerships had also helped prepare an initial group for operational work on the East Coast Rail Link.
Amir said 10 participants in the East Coast Rail Link Industrial Skills Training Programme had finished a one-year course at Liuzhou Railway Vocational Technical College in China.
The convocation recognised 4,164 military personnel who had completed transition training. Separately, 833 personnel and veterans had received Malaysian skills qualifications through the Recognition of Prior Learning programme as of September.
