Considering they have dedicated at least 15 years of their lives to safeguarding the security and sovereignty of the nation, it is only fair that they are given the support and skills to continue their lives in a manner befitting their sacrifices.

The Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat), established in 1994, plays a proactive role in connecting military veterans with second-career opportunities and ensuring their socioeconomic wellbeing after they transition to civilian life.

Thanks to the corporation’s skills development programmes and guidance, most armed-forces veterans today are able to sustain their livelihoods in a systematic and assured manner.

Bernama recently met with three former servicemen in Perak who are now operating their own successful businesses.

From air force to laundry shop

After dedicating 26 years to serving in the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), former Air Warrant Officer 1 Mohd Rizal Mohd Rajab now runs a shop in Chemor offering laundry services.

His shop, Loadmaster Laundry, provides ironing, dry cleaning and aqua-wash services, as well as cleaning services for mattresses, surau and mosque carpets, sofas, car seats, and all types of uniforms.

The 50-year-old said he had faced great challenges when he first ventured into the business. “When I set out to open my shop in 2020, the nation was hit by Covid-19. Many government agencies were closed, and finding a suitable shop was tough,” he recalled.

“But during the Movement Control Order, there were brief periods when government offices reopened. That’s when I managed to sort out all the necessary matters.

“At the time, laundry services were among the businesses allowed to operate, while laundrettes – where people pay to use a machine to wash and dry their clothes – were not permitted.”

The father-of-four said his late mother had instilled in him and his younger siblings the importance of cleanliness and doing household chores.

“Before retiring, I revisited my skills and interests and, when I saw that Perhebat offered courses in laundry, I immediately chose to train in that field.”

Originally from Endau, Johor, Mohd Rizal underwent an 18-month course at the Perhebat complex in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, covering all aspects of laundry-business management.

He was also extended a RM5,000 grant by the rural and regional development ministry under its Rural Entrepreneurship Support and Empowerment Scheme in 2023, which he used to upgrade the equipment at his shop.

As for the name of his business, he explained: “The term ‘loadmaster’ is linked to my role in the RMAF. I served as a loadmaster in the Air Quartermaster Unit, the crew stationed at the rear of a cargo aircraft. Loadmasters handle almost everything.”

Follow Loadmaster Laundry on Facebook.

Unlike Mohd Rizal, who had a clear direction after retirement, Hasrul Affendi Norizan found himself searching for a field that suited him. The 44-year-old owner of Nadi Furniture Interior Design served 21 years in the army as a member of the Ranger Regiment.

“I only started thinking about the carpentry business during my last six months before retiring,” he said, adding that today, he has no regrets venturing into furniture making.

He thus attended a six-month course conducted by Perhebat where he learnt to create sketches and, eventually, how to cut wood. Before officially starting his business, he experimented by building a kitchen cabinet for his home in 2021.

“When I asked my family if the cabinet was OK, they gave positive feedback. Then, in 2022, my younger sister asked me to make a TV cabinet. Initially, I hesitated because it involved payment. After discussing it with my wife, I gathered the courage and accepted the order,” he shared.

Thereafter, he began receiving orders from others who admired his workmanship. “However, every business has its risks. In 2023, I went through a three-month period without any projects. That’s also why, for now, I don’t employ permanent workers.”

Hasrul, who also received a RM5,000 grant from the rural and regional development ministry, utilised the money to purchase a second table saw to improve his work efficiency.

Asked about his future plans, the father of four expressed his desire to enhance his skills to grow his business further.

“Currently, I only make wooden cabinets. I want to learn how to make aluminium cabinets as they are becoming more popular due to their durability.

“I haven’t been exposed to the methods of using aluminium in furniture making. If Perhebat organises such a course, I’ll definitely apply to participate,” he concluded.

Those who wish to order customised furniture can contact Hasrul at 011-3742 1360.

Ismail Yaacob, who retired in January 2006 after serving in the army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps for 22 years, ventured into the bicycle-repair business nearly two decades ago.

“Initially, my plan was to open a mini market, so in the six months leading to my retirement, I joined a retail course offered by Perhebat,” the 59-year-old recalled.

“However, during that period, someone came to promote bicycles, sparking my interest in that area. Moreover, unlike a grocery store – which comes with risks like expired goods and unsold items – the main concern in the bicycle business is a lack of customers.”

He admitted that before entering the field, he had had no knowledge of bicycles, let alone how to fix them. “I later attended an external course through Perhebat in Kemaman, Terengganu for two weeks. There, I learnt everything about bikes,” he said.

Armed with this knowledge, he began his business repairing and selling bicycles.

“Even now, it’s not easy to find ordinary bicycle shops. Most of them cater to high-end bikes. I, on the other hand, focus on children’s bicycles, priced between RM100 and RM400,” he explained.

Ismail noted that the business is also “seasonal” as he usually receives an influx of bicycles for repair just before the school holidays begin.

“During this period, I get really busy managing repairs and attending to customers”, who come from areas around Ipoh and Sungai Siput, he said.

His shop, Kedai Basikal Ismail, is located in Taman Klebang Putra here and operates daily except on Sundays and public holidays.

Follow Kedai Basikal Ismail on Instagram. For inquiries, contact Ismail at 019-238 5770.