PUTRAJAYA, June 4 — A total of 3,208 jobs in the transport sector have been identified as an initial step in a strategic collaboration between the Transport Ministry (MOT) and Defence Ministry (MINDEF) to create more jobs for military retirees and veterans.
The jobs are in the port, logistics, rail, public transport, land transport and supply chain subsectors and are meant to provide Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel with a more structured, sustainable second career path after their service.
According to a joint statement by MOT and MINDEF today, the jobs would also help meet the transport industry’s increasing workforce demand.
Both ministries said the collaboration strengthens the country’s human capital development with expanded access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), skills training, upskilling, reskilling, and job placement.
“This collaboration reflects the Madani Government’s commitment to empowering the development of highly skilled human capital, expanding quality employment opportunities and ensuring no group is left behind in the national development process,” the statement said.
MOT and MINDEF said the initiative also supports the national agenda to strengthen a more inclusive, responsive and industry-oriented TVET ecosystem.
According to the statement, MAF veterans are a strategic national asset who have extensive operational experience, relevant technical skills, high discipline and leadership capabilities required by the industry.
“This initiative is a follow-up to the aspirations agreed upon during the National TVET Council meeting to expand access to training and employment opportunities to potential target groups, including prospective MAF retirees and veterans,” the statement said.
In line with the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), the collaboration supports the government’s efforts to develop prospective MAF retirees and veterans as highly skilled workforce who continue contributing to economic development after completing their service.
The initiative is also in line with the aspirations of the Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT) Transformation Plan 2026-2035, which emphasises the sustainable development of MAF veterans’ livelihoods with training opportunities, competence development, job matching, and career development.
As part of the implementation of the initiative, PERHEBAT also signed a memorandum of understanding with 10 agencies, companies and industry groups in the transport sector to expand MAF veterans’ access to training and jobs.
The parties are Malaysia Rail Development Corporation (MRDC), Infinity Logistics & Transport Sdn Bhd, Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association (PMBOA), MMC Port Holdings Bhd, Port Klang Free Zone Sdn Bhd, Westports Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Persatuan Haulier Malaysia, Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd, Evolution Commerce Sdn Bhd, and Sin Hock Soon Group.
Meanwhile, MOT, through MRDC, will coordinate the involvement of industry players to identify workforce needs, training opportunities, and suitable job placements for prospective MAF retirees and veterans.
The collaboration also includes competence development programmes, professional certification, job matching based on industry needs, and continuous monitoring to ensure programme effectiveness.
At the MOU-signing ceremony, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) presented civil driving licences to prospective MAF retirees to facilitate their career transition to the public sector.
