11 February 2026 – YB Adly bin Zahari, the Deputy Minister of Defence, visited Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang today to evaluate the progress and overall impact of the Usahawantani PUTRA–PERHEBAT Programme — a comprehensive, industry-driven agricultural training and empowerment initiative tailored specifically for retiring Malaysian Armed Forces personnel and military veterans.

The programme, spearheaded through a strategic partnership between the Putra Agriculture Centre (PAC), UPM and the Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera (PERHEBAT), is designed to equip participants with commercially viable competencies across three core agricultural sectors: crop production, livestock management and fisheries.

Through an intensive, hands-on training framework, participants are immersed in eight key production components encompassing eggplant and chili cultivation, sun melon, pineapple and corn production, mushroom cultivation, quail and chicken rearing, duck farming, livestock management and aquaculture — all structured to foster entrepreneurial readiness and sustainable income generation.

YBrs. Tuan Muhazam bin Mansor, Registrar of UPM; YBhg. Dato’ Ts. Amir Bin Md. Noor, Director General of PERHEBAT; and Prof. Ts. Dr. Siti Zaharah Sakimin, Director of the Putra Agriculture Centre (PAC), UPM, alongside senior management representatives from both UPM and PERHEBAT were also present during the visit.

YB Adly bin Zahari toured several agricultural facilities within UPM and engaged in a constructive engagement session with PERHEBAT trainees to gain first-hand insights into their learning journey and programme outcomes.

The visit culminated in a tea reception, where he delivered an inspiring address, reaffirming the Ministry’s steadfast commitment to strengthening post-service economic resilience among Malaysian Armed Forces veterans and ensuring the continued sustainability and excellence of the programme.

Date of Input: 20/02/2026 | Updated: 25/02/2026 | n_farrid