Retired armed forces personnel can now convert military heavy vehicle licenses to class E commercial licenses through a new government programme

PORT KLANG: The government will implement a special programme for military retirees and veterans to obtain a class E license to drive heavy vehicles.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the new initiative was considered necessary to meet the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers in the haulage and logistics industry.

He noted that most military retirees in their 40s were still energetic enough to drive vehicles including trucks.

“For that, we (the government) will match the retired drivers who are skilled in driving and have a military (heavy vehicle) license to convert directly to an E license,” Loke said.

He was speaking at the opening of the Port Klang Authority Annex Building and the Chinese New Year and Ramadan Iftar celebrations.

Loke said the initiative was agreed upon through a recent National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council meeting.

He called on all logistics companies to cooperate in providing job opportunities for the retirees in the future.

“I am sure many companies will be interested because former soldiers are certainly disciplined, tough and can drive,” he added.

Loke said he wants this initiative to be implemented vigorously and promptly.

He also noted that the Road Transport Department has a programme with the Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Corporation.

 The Sun Malaysia