Heavy vehicle driving licences for armed forces retirees, veterans

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook says this will help address the shortage of drivers in the haulage and logistics sectors.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said former armed forces personnel and veterans will be able to convert their heavy vehicle driving licences to Class E licences under a special programme to be launched soon. (Bernama pic)

PORT KLANG:

 The government will launch a special licensing programme to help military retirees and veterans obtain Class E licences to drive heavy vehicles.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said the initiative will allow retired drivers who already hold military heavy vehicle licences to convert them to Class E licences.

He said the move will address the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers in the haulage and logistics sectors, adding that many military retirees in their 40s are still fit and capable of driving heavy vehicles, including trucks.

“I am confident many companies will be interested because former soldiers are disciplined, resilient, and experienced drivers,” said Loke at the opening of the Port Klang Authority annex building today.

“We want this initiative to be implemented efficiently and promptly,” he said, calling on logistics companies to cooperate by offering job opportunities to the programme’s participants.

He said the road transport department already has a programme with the armed forces’ veteran affairs department, which helps soldiers transition into civilian jobs upon retirement. - FMT