Govt initiatives at military camps generating income, food security
The Defence Minister said the projects – supported through a RM10mil allocation and carried out in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry – reflect the government's efforts to enhance the economy and promote sustainability within the defence community.
Citing the stingless bee honey and oyster mushroom entrepreneurship projects undertaken by the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (2 RAMD) community at Sungai Ara Camp in Bayan Lepas, he said these ventures also help occupy the time of family members, particularly as the camp's personnel are scheduled for a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon next year.
'When we talk about preparedness, we look not only at assets but also at our personnel and their families. We value the contributions and sacrifices of the Malaysian Armed Forces and understand that the well-being of personnel includes the welfare of their families.
'With support from the Higher Education Ministry, we have identified valuable skills that can be transferred to the families within military camps,' he told reporters after a working visit to the Sungai Ara Camp yesterday, Bernama reported.
Mohamed Khaled also expressed appreciation to the military families involved in the stingless bee honey and oyster mushroom projects at the camp, which incorporate elements of smart agriculture, technical training and entrepreneurship opportunities for members of the 2 RAMD Bakat (the military families' welfare association), in line with Kem Madani aspirations.
He also presented RM500 in welfare aid to 15 individuals with chronic illnesses, comprising military personnel.
Also present were Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Army Chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Army Western Field Commander Lt-Jen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman and 2nd Infantry Division Commander Mejar-Jen Datuk Fazal Abdul Rahman.
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