Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) today launched the JanaVeteran initiative to help Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans venture into agriculture through a ginger and chilli fertigation project and veteran agri-entrepreneur programme. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the initiative, in collaboration with Boustead Plantations Berhad (BPlant) and the Veteran Affairs Department (JHEV), aims to provide MAF veterans with opportunities to generate income in agri-entrepreneurship while supporting the country’s food security efforts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ginger and chilli fertigation programme involves BPlant providing a fertigation plot covering 105 hectares of land for selected MAF veterans, allocating 80 hectares for ginger and 25 hectares for chilli cultivation. In its initial stage, the programme will involve 100 veterans managing the cultivation, offering potential earnings of RM3,000 per month per participant. Mohamed Khaled shared these details during Mindef’s breaking of fast event with media practitioners.
The event was attended by Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief of Defence Force General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar, and Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) representatives, including chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and deputy editor-in-chief Nasriah Darus, were also present.
Mohamed Khaled elaborated that the pilot project will commence in Kota Tinggi, Johor, with 15 participants working on a 12-hectare plot, aiming to produce 3,500 tonnes of ginger and 350 tonnes of chillies annually within three years. The veteran agri-entrepreneur programme offers retired military personnel the chance to become entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector by cultivating cash crops listed in the National Food Security programme. BPlant has earmarked 300 hectares of land in the peninsula for this purpose.
Additionally, Mohamed Khaled inaugurated the pre-launch of the PERWIRA Super App, a collaborative effort between the Perwira Niaga Malaysia (Pernama) Network and Mastercard International. The app is designed to enhance the digital transformation of the Mindef community by integrating artificial intelligence with secure and user-friendly features. It includes functionalities such as financial services, an e-marketplace, exclusive discounts and loyalty rewards, and an e-learning hub.