KOTA BHARU, Sept 19 — The Defence Ministry, through the Ex-Serviceman Affairs Corporation (Perhebat), is targeting 200 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans to join the MAF Veteran Entrepreneur Empowerment (Puvet) programme this year.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the initiative will focus on veterans in the B40 group to raise their living standards in line with the Madani policy.
“This initiative is in line with the pillar of ‘Kesejahteraan dan Insan’, which outlines the roles of the ministry, MAF and Perhebat by providing training, exposure and facilities to raise the socioeconomics of future retirees and veterans.
“In addition, this programme also acts as a facilitator and connector to identify and channel entrepreneurial incentives that include expert services, facilities, grants and training needed by MAF veteran entrepreneurs to grow their businesses,” he told reporters after the MAF Puvet programme here today.
Earlier, Adly presented Sokongan Pengukuhan Keusahawanan Luar Bandar grants worth RM105,000 to 21 MAF veteran entrepreneurs in Kelantan involved in businesses based on services, food, livestock and agriculture.
Elaborating, Adly said the MAF Puvet also received the backing of several ministries, such as the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Economy Ministry, so its benefits can be enjoyed in a more targeted manner by the veterans.
He said, through this programme, veterans would enjoy benefits like business matching, direct access to entrepreneurial incentives such as facilities, training and advisory services on aspects like packaging, branding and marketing.
“We want veterans to be more radical, progressive and innovative to boost their businesses, besides taking advantage of all the initiatives provided by the government to remain sustainable.
“The benefits of the MAF Puvet will be expanded nationwide this year to identify the form of assistance and entrepreneurial guidance needed by the veterans,” he said.
— Bernama
