LABUAN, Feb 8 – The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Veteran Affairs Department (JHEV) announces plans to establish the MAF Veterans Chamber of Commerce by the end of this year.
JHEV director-general Major General Zambery Jefry Darus said the chamber aims to support veterans engaged in diverse economic sectors, emphasising the improvement of their socio-economic status, and enhancing educational opportunities for their children.
“We have devised a strategy to enhance the socio-economic well-being of veterans, aligning with the government’s commitment to uplift their living standards,” he told Bernama after a working visit and dialogue with Labuan MAF veterans at the Menara Perbadanan Labuan today.
He said currently, numerous veterans contribute to economic and entrepreneurial sectors, such as construction and industry, leveraging the skills acquired during their dedicated service to the nation.
Existing business chamber models would guide the establishment of the MAF Veterans Chamber of Commerce, he said.
Meanwhile, Zambery said JHEV is also studying the consolidation of the 122 MAF veteran associations nationwide into a unified entity, tentatively named the MAF Veterans Association to coordinate nationwide assistance for veterans efficiently.
“This proposal has received endorsement from the National Veterans Council, aiming for a unified framework that simplifies coordination for nationwide veteran assistance,” he said.
In a bid to enhance accessibility, he said JHEV will introduce a versatile e-digital application named ‘My Veteran ID’ in May this year.
The application would feature multiple functions, providing veterans easy access to various assistances, including the Veterans Integrated Benefit System (VIBES) and MAF Veteran Card (VC).
“The application functions similarly to e-wallets, catering to groceries, selected merchants, and medical needs.
“It simplifies the online application process for government aids, covering household living aid, funeral expenses schemes, and wheelchair assistance,” Zambery added.
