KUCHING: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is calling on corporate companies in Sarawak to implement the recruitment of veteran soldiers.
Federal Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz said it is the ministry’s hope to ensure that the socioeconomics of veteran soldiers in the state is strengthened.
The ministry also welcomes any party to come forward to help empower the veterans’ socio-economic and welfare initiatives.
“Based on the Sarawak government’s strong commitment to support the veterans, I call for the cooperation of corporate companies in Sarawak so that they can implement the recruitment of veterans of productive age by offering a better salary scheme.
“Several examples have been implemented in the state namely, 80 veterans have been employed as the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) and 40 veterans who have been employed as Sarawak Cost Guards,” he said after awarding the Malaysian Service Medals (PJM) to 713 veteran soldiers at Imperial Hotel yesterday.
Ikmal said that there are still many more efforts and programmes that have been planned to be implemented by his ministry and the Department of Veterans Affairs (JHEV) for the veterans’ well-being and welfare.
For example, through the Veteran Housing Initiative, the JHEV Sarawak has successfully implemented a programme of new home construction and home renovation.
“Last year, a total of four houses were successfully built and 24 houses were repaired.
“This year, two new houses were built and 27 houses were renovated. This matter will continue even if we face the constraint of the increase in the cost of construction materials,” he said.
That being said, Ikmal requested support from all parties so that all efforts and plans made can benefit the veterans throughout the country.
