The JanaVeteran project empowers Malaysian Armed Forces veterans through ginger farming, offering a monthly salary of RM3,000 and boosting national food security
KOTA TINGGI: A new agricultural initiative aims to transform the livelihoods of Malaysian Armed Forces veterans. The JanaVeteran project, launched by Boustead Plantations Berhad, focuses on high-value ginger cultivation under the Halia KayTi brand.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the project builds veteran capabilities for self-sufficiency. “This effort is in line with the Defence Ministry’s goal to ensure the well-being of veterans not only in terms of welfare but also through job opportunities and a dignified income,” he stated.
Participating veterans are expected to receive a base monthly salary of RM3,000. They will also earn additional incentives based on their harvest yields, creating potential for higher sustainable earnings.
The project directly supports the national food security agenda. It focuses on producing high-value crops to reduce import dependency.
Mohamed Khaled announced plans to expand the project’s scale progressively. It will be extended to all 42 BPlant estates nationwide and other suitable private lands.
“We will start with ginger, then expand to chili and other high-value crops,” he explained. The integration of technology will also be implemented to enhance overall farm productivity.
The minister emphasised that MAF veterans remain the project’s central focus. He described them as an important national asset deserving of continued empowerment.
“MAF veterans are individuals who have made significant contributions and sacrifices,” Mohamed Khaled said. He added that the initiative ensures they continue playing a role in national development beyond pension reliance.
The project’s first phase covers 12 hectares of land. It involves the participation of 15 MAF veterans.
In a separate statement, BPlant highlighted Malaysia’s low ginger self-sufficiency rate of just 15.9%. The country depends on imports for over 85% of its ginger supply.
The global ginger commodity market is projected to reach USD 7.5 billion by 2033. This presents a significant economic opportunity for local producers.
The JanaVeteran project thus serves a dual national purpose. It creates veteran income streams while contributing to economic development and food security.
Mohamed Khaled earlier visited the Halia KayTi planting site in Telok Sengat. He witnessed the ginger planting process conducted by the veteran participants firsthand.
