Khaled revealed that around 5,000 senior military personnel retire annually, with many still in their 30s and 40s and fully capable of contributing to the country’s development.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia risks losing a valuable and experienced workforce if retiring Armed Forces personnel are not successfully absorbed into the national economy, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.
Khaled revealed that around 5,000 senior military personnel retire annually, with many still in their 30s and 40s and fully capable of contributing to the country’s development.
“It is a loss if they do not work or participate in national economic activities,” he said during a press conference following the Strategic Cooperation Ceremony between the Defence Ministry (Mindef) and the Transport Ministry (MOT).
He said many retirees continue to shoulder significant financial responsibilities, including supporting families and children who are still in school, making post-service employment crucial.
“These are individuals with families, responsibilities and children still in school. They need a second income after retirement,” he said.
Khaled added that the government is now transforming military training programmes to ensure personnel acquire skills that align with industry requirements before they leave the service.
“The approach of the ministry is to change how we train our soldiers so they can secure employment after service,” he said.
According to Khaled, previous training programmes were largely developed and delivered internally by military officers and did not always match the needs of employers.
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“Today, we are changing that. Training must be linked directly to industry needs so that when they leave the service, they are job-ready,” he said.
He welcomed the collaboration between Mindef and MOT, which will create employment pathways for military veterans, describing it as a model that other ministries should emulate.
“This is not only an opportunity with the MOT but an example for others to follow,” he said.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities for retiring and veteran military personnel, while addressing workforce demands in key sectors of the economy.
Khaled said stable employment, combined with pension support, would allow veterans to maintain their dignity and continue contributing meaningfully to society.
“This is a win for both the individual and the nation,” he said.
