'PROTEGE-Veteran' provides job assurance for retirees

KUALA LUMPUR: The new PROTEGE-Veterans programme, mandating contractors to provide jobs for Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans, especially those with Technical and Vocational Education and raining (TVET) qualifications will help guarantee employment for MAF personnel after completing their service.

Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (Academic and International), Dr Mohd Hasril Amiruddin, said many low-ranking veterans had problems getting suitable jobs after completing their service.

"This programme can help veterans in various fields after they retire. Contractors need to take this opportunity to provide employment. This is an aggressive step by the government to protect the welfare of retirees," he said when contacted by Bernama.

The programme was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling the Malaysia MADANI Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat last Friday.

A total RM21. 2 billion is allocated for the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), which includes RM5.8 billion earmarked for maintenance, repair work and the acquisition of military assets.

Mohd Hasril said the high-ranking ATM officers might find it easier to transition into corporate, business, or consulting roles after retirement.

"However, for those with lower ranks, the opportunities are quite limited, with many forced to work as security guards, which does not match their experience.

"ATM veterans have high discipline and core technical skills, but they are not given the platform to leverage those skills," he added.

Meanwhile, a lecturer at the Kulliyyah Engineering (KOE) of the International Islamic University Malaysia (UIAM), Prof Dr Amir Akramin Shafie, said the programme not only provides job opportunities for the skilled but also opens up rooms for ATM retirees and other veterans to become job creators.

"The transformation of human capital is very important. Besides making them more dynamic, it can also improve the entrepreneurial landscape in Malaysia, making them more dynamic," he said.

Regarding the salary for skilled ATM veterans, Prof Amir suggested between RM2,500 and RM4,000, based on the current salary for TVET-qualified workers and the experience and skills possessed by ATM retirees.

-- BERNAMA

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