Meraque supports social reintegration under Budget 2025 by hiring rehabilitated individuals as drone pilots

  • aims to impart knowledge to assist people who have been rehabilitated in resuming their life.
  • Plans to manage 10-20 pilot jobs in Selangor &amp, Johor by Q1 2025

Left to Right: Representatives from Jabatan Penjara Malaysia, Suria Hani Affandi  Chew, COO Meraque (third from left) and representatives from Perkeso

In partnership with Perkeso and Jabatan Penjara Malaysia, Meraque Group, a manufacturer of technology solutions, has launched its Social Reintegration Programme. This program aims to train and give back to formerly homeless people who have had a positive impact on society.

Aligned with Malaysia’s new Budget 2025 initiatives to enhance job opportunities for vulnerable organizations, including ex-convicts, Meraque’s program offers functional training and job jobs as drone pilots. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his new budget display, noted government efforts to support these groups through MyFutureJobs, MySTEP, and more SOCSO incentives. This includes a US$ 344 ( RM1, 500 ) monthly allowance for six months, designed to assist employers in integrating over 3, 300 job seekers from vulnerable backgrounds, supported by a dedicated US$ 6.8 million ( RM30 million ) allocation.

Meraque intends to dedicate 10 to 20 pilot jobs in Selangor and Johor, with the goal of deployment in Q1 2025. The program aims to provide potential additions for participants who demonstrate outstanding performance, paving the way for a significant and long-term reconciliation.

” Our perspective is to give people from different backgrounds, including rehabilitated people, the opportunity to get qualified aircraft engineers and operators”, said Razalee Ismail, CEO of Meraque.

I was born with modest foundations, so I now have the desire to grow and advance. By offering a second chance to ex-convicts, we are not only transforming their life but even building a stronger, more diverse workforce. I’m committed to putting this vision into practice and supporting these people as they head off on a new route toward important and effective careers,” he continued.

Since 2017, Malaysia’s Corporate Smart Internship ( CSI) initiative for the Parole Programme has provided both theoretical and practical training to increase employability and helped District Parole and Community Service Officers secure job opportunities for those on parole. The partnership between Mérida and CSI, which began in September of this year, demonstrates a commitment to empower former convicts by training them to fly drones as experienced, which both aids in their rehabilitation and even supports community integration and professional development over the long term.

Through extensive training as experienced helicopter pilots, Meraque contributes to the cultural reunification of ex-convicts, giving them a renewed chance at life. This collaboration promotes specific treatment and promotes community integration and professional advancement.