Malaysia is set to create 3,208 job opportunities in the transport sector through a collaboration between the Transport Ministry and the Defence Ministry, a move designed to strengthen workforce participation among military retirees while addressing persistent labour shortages in logistics and haulage.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the initiative will help armed forces personnel transition into civilian employment by recognising skills gained during military service and reducing administrative barriers that often delay workforce entry.
Under the programme, military truck drivers holding defence-issued driving licences will be able to convert them directly into Class E licences required for operating heavy vehicles in the civilian sector. The streamlined process removes the need for the conventional licensing route, reducing both costs and waiting times for retiring personnel.
Loke said participants will also undergo placement and training with logistics companies before moving into permanent employment, enabling them to enter the workforce quickly and meet growing industry demand for skilled drivers.
The initiative was announced during a strategic cooperation ceremony focused on empowering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) among armed forces personnel. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi officiated the event, which was also attended by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Khaled noted that around 5,000 military personnel retire annually, with more than 4,000 aged 39 and above. He said many retirees face financial challenges as pensions alone may not be sufficient, while the country risks losing experienced and skilled workers if transition pathways are not available.
During the transition period, personnel will continue receiving salaries from the Defence Ministry while undergoing training. Upon securing employment, they will earn wages from employers in addition to their monthly pensions.
The programme builds on an initiative announced in March to help military retirees and veterans obtain Class E licences, a measure aimed at easing the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers and strengthening Malaysia’s transport workforce pipeline.