Kuala lumpur: A total of 3,208 job vacancies in the transport sector have been identified as an initial step in the strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to open up more career opportunities for prospective retirees and veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF). The job vacancies cover port, logistics, rail, public transport, land transport, and supply chain sub-sectors, thus providing a more structured and sustainable second career path for MAF personnel after completing their service.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a joint statement by MOT and MINDEF today highlighted that the job opportunities also help meet the increasing workforce needs of the transport industry. Both ministries emphasized that the collaboration strengthens the country's human capital development through expanding access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), skills training, upskilling, reskilling, and job placement for prospective retirees and MAF veterans in the transport sector.
'This collaboration reflects the MADANI Government's commitment to empowering the development of highly skilled human capital, expanding quality employment opportunities, and ensuring that no group is left behind in the national development process,' the statement said. MOT and MINDEF noted that 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 possess 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 in 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 added.
In line with the National Defence Industry Policy (DIPN), the collaboration supports the government's efforts to develop prospective MAF retirees and veterans as a highly skilled workforce who continue to contribute to the country's economic development after completing military service. The initiative aligns with the aspirations of the PERHEBAT Transformation Plan 2026-2035, which emphasizes the sustainable development of the economy of MAF veterans through training opportunities, competency development, job matching, and career development.
As part of the initiative's implementation, the Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with 10 agencies, companies, and industry associations in the transport sector to expand access to training and job opportunities for future retirees and MAF veterans. Among the parties involved are Malaysia Rail Development Corporation (MRDC), Infinity Logistics and 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 in identifying workforce needs, training opportunities, and suitable job placements for prospective MAF retirees and veterans. The collaboration includes implementing competency development programmes, professional certification, job matching based on industry needs, and continuous monitoring to ensure the programme's effectiveness.
At the same ceremony, the Road Transport Department (RTD) handed over civil driving licences to eligible prospective MAF retirees through the initiative to exchange military driving licences for civil driving licences to facilitate their career transition to the public sector.