PERHEBAT TRANSFORMATION PLAN TO EQUIP RETIRING ATM PERSONNEL FOR JOB MARKET

PETALING JAYA, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Career training for retiring Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel will now take place directly within industries instead of being limited to camps or training centres under the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT).

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the initiative is part of the PERHEBAT Transformation Plan 2026-2035 launched today, aimed at preparing military retirees to meet the demands of the civilian job market.

He said the new approach marks a significant shift in how the government supports ATM veterans, ensuring that training is aligned with current industry requirements and economic needs.

“The primary training location will be within the industry itself, not only at PERHEBAT centres throughout the country,” he said at the launch ceremony held at Royale Chulan Damansara.

The 10-year transformation plan will be implemented in three phases, beginning with capacity building and policy strengthening from 2026 to 2029, followed by commercialisation and development of high-value industries (2030 to 2032), and concluding with PERHEBAT’s organisational excellence and sustainability (2033 to 2035).

It is anchored on four main thrusts, namely career market acceleration, sustainable economic development of the veteran community, access expansion and digitalisation, as well as policy empowerment and professional governance.

Mohamed Khaled said the plan will create a new ecosystem that links soon-to-retire personnel directly with the private sector, with a strong emphasis on work-based learning.

“Through this approach, skills acquired during service will be formally recognised, at least at diploma level. The industry’s role is to provide suitable training and employment opportunities that allow them to transition directly into the workforce,” he said.

He said the transformation is not merely a reform of the training system but a comprehensive effort to ensure the post-service welfare and livelihood of ATM veterans.

Despite more than 189,000 ATM veterans having completed their service, only 17.4 per cent are currently employed, while the majority are either involved in small businesses or not working at all.

“This is not the future we want for our national heroes. They have sacrificed for the peace and security of the country, so we must ensure that their post-service lives are secure and dignified,” he said.

He also urged industry players to view the plan as an opportunity to recognise the contributions of veterans by providing them with meaningful career pathways.

“Industries know best what skills are needed. Some veterans are experienced in mechanics, others in culinary arts, driving or maintenance. They are not only skilled but also highly disciplined and resilient,” he added.

Mohamed Khaled said the plan also aligns with the MADANI Economy framework, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the National TVET Policy 2030, ensuring that ATM veterans continue to contribute as a highly skilled and productive workforce.

At the same event, Mohamed Khaled witnessed the symbolic exchange of cooperation documents between PERHEBAT and 44 private sector agencies and companies, including the handing over of job offer letters to selected veterans.

Also present were Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar.

-- BERNAMA