Kampung lendu: The government is committed to enhancing the economic well-being of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans through the Veteran Economic Empowerment Programme (PUVET). Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari announced that the programme aims to provide support, including equipment, training, and business capital, to improve competitiveness, with a digital business training programme soon to be launched in Kelantan as its latest initiative.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Adly Zahari elaborated on a pilot project known as ‘Beg Kuning’ (Yellow Bag), where selected veteran entrepreneurs will be trained to run digital or online businesses. The programme is a collaboration between the Defence Ministry, government-linked companies (GLCs), and several other agencies. He shared these insights with reporters in Kampung Lendu after meeting veterans under the MADANI Veterans’ Care programme, which was also attended by Veterans Affairs Department deputy director-general Sophian Isswandy Ismail.

During the programme, Adly met with 26 veteran families, including widows and entrepreneurs, in Alor Gajah, Melaka, and Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, where he presented Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) medals, assistance, Rahmah baskets, and business support. He noted that PUVET has received an annual grant of RM1 million since its introduction in 2023 through collaboration with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW).

Adly highlighted that through the RM1 million grant, selected recipients receive in-kind grants worth around RM5,000, which include fish feed, seeds, equipment, and basic business machines. Nearly 70 per cent of the approximately 5,000 retired veterans have chosen to venture into entrepreneurship, and programmes like PUVET are essential in providing comprehensive support for this group.

He emphasized that through comprehensive initiatives like PUVET, veterans not only become self-reliant but also strengthen their role as contributors to national economic development.