SIBU: The government allocates RM20 million each year to assist non-pensionable army (ATM) veterans to participate in the ATM Veteran Socio-Economic programme (PPSEV).
The allocation channelled from the Ex-army Affairs’ Body (Perhebat), involved job placement or entrepreneurship development for ATM veterans.
Manager for Perhebat’s Sarawak/Sabah Campus Zone, Major (B) Ibrahim Omar said under the ATM Veteran Socio-Economic Strategic Plan, Perhebat has been given the initial allocation of RM50 million from the 2012 Budget for the purpose.
“RM20 million has been channelled to Perhebat to organise entrepreneurship and employment programme for those veterans so far,” he told a press conference after an Entrepreneur Inspiration course organised by Perhebat at a hotel here yesterday.
Also present was president of Veteran Army Association Sarawak, Thomas Ling Kui Eng.
Ibrahim said the government had lined up four main thrusts, firstly to produce 1,000 entrepreneurs out of non-pensionable ATM veterans.
“Secondly to produce 2,000 new entrepreneurs among ATM veterans who have ambitions or have started a sideline business.
“The third thrust is to attract ATM veterans not on pension in particular to hold down permanent jobs, or are keen about but don’t know how to be involved in business,” he said.
The fourth involved providing courses to upgrade the economic status of working ATM veterans.
According to him, the government would channel the allocation of RM20 million to Perhebat each year to organise courses for veterans not on pension.
“The government wants all veterans to benefit from the allocation. We hope more army veterans will come to participate in such courses and acquire knowledge to change their livelihood and help their families,” he said.
It was learnt that there are more than 8,000 non-pensionable ATM veterans in Sarawak, out of which only 450 have registered for courses organised by Perhebat.