Look to army veterans to fill security vacancies — Rep
KAPIT: Companies involved in the Baleh hydroelectricity power ( HEP) dam project should employ local army veterans who are fit and wish to continue working as security personnel.
Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat, who made this call, suggested the Kapit branch of Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association ( PVATM) to work closely with Sarawak Energy Bhd ( SEB) on this matter.
“To generate income for exservicemen who are strong and healthy, PVATM Kapit should work closely with SEB, who are now building the HEP dam in Ulu Baleh, because there will be many security job vacancies later on.
“Those who want to continue workingandmeettherequirements for security officers should apply to the companies involved in the construction of the dam. I am sure that SEB – as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) – will give priority to locals who meet the requirements,” he said after officiating at PVATM Kapit’s annual general meeting (AGM) here on Sunday.
He went on to praise the association – now into its 27th year – for continuing to grow and attracting new members, and called on all retired servicemen to join PVATM so that the government, through the Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV), could provide better welfare care to them.
“Army veterans are not ordinary persons. During your active service, you sacrificed and risked your lives to safeguard the sovereignty and security of the country.
“In recognition of your services and your experience, many of you have been appointed by the government as community leaders, such as Temenggong Wilfred Billy Panyau, Penghulu Sallang Batang and Councillor Luang Baring,” he said.
Later, Jamit announced a grant of RM6,000 for PVATM Kapit and also presented membership cards to nine new members – Garai Abit, Injang Paying, Rawing Lubang, Jamit Ingke, Balin Igam, Lawai Lidom, Dana Tuele, Bakat Ila and Langoh Majau.
He also revealed that a private firm – as part of its CSR – had agreed to do earth-levelling works on a piece of land acquired by PVATM Kapit for members’ housing.
PVATM Kapit currently has 655 registered members.
Association chairman Tuai Rumah Baja Rawing was among those present at the event.