TAWAU, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- A total of 225 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans have received benefits from the Rural Entrepreneurship Enhancement Support (SPKLB) grant totalling RM1.13 million since 2023 until now.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said they are part of the 1,975 MAF veterans who are participating in the MAF Veteran Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme in the country.
"The Ministry of Defence through PERHEBAT is planning various contents for MAF veteran entrepreneur empowerment programme, to ensure that the socio-economic development of these veterans is assisted to improve for the future
"This programme acts as a facilitator to connect, match and channel entrepreneurial incentives such as expert services, facilities, grants and training needed by veteran entrepreneurs to develop their businesses," he said.
He was speaking at the completion of Sabah MAF Veteran Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme, as well as presentation of SPKLB grants to nine MAF veteran entrepreneurs here today.
Meanwhile, Adly advised MAF veterans to take advantage of various other entrepreneurial schemes provided by the government including grants from the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative and the Ministry of Finance.
In addition, he also suggested that MAF veterans explore industries that have high growth and high value such as energy transition, technology and digital, electricity and electronics including agriculture and modern agro-based industries.
"I am confident that the MAF veteran entrepreneur group can also contribute to the efforts of the 13th Malaysia Plan to make Malaysia a consumption powerhouse that produces products and services.
Meanwhile, an MAF veteran who received the SPKLB grant, Mohd Ali Osman, 51, said he and his wife are working on four types of Menaq sambal products, namely salted fish sambal, dried shrimp, spicy soy sauce and spicy tuhau sambal.
"I started with Menaq's salty faith sauce in 2016 after I retired from the MAF, now my product market reaches as far as Brunei Darussalam, and is promoted via Tiktok, and there are also friends who bring this product as far as Germany.
"In terms of demand, it is estimated that more than 400 bottles (400 grammes each) are produced per month, we also sell this product in 50-gramme and 80-gramme packs," he said, adding that the product received halal certification in 2024.
Mohd Ali also described the assistance from the government as helping to increase the production of better quality sambal products in line with the desire to supply sambal packages to Tabung Haji.
-- BERNAMA
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