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

• Aims to provide skills to help rehabilitated individuals restart their lives
• Plans to allocate 10-20 pilot placements in Selangor & Johor by Q1 2025

Meraque Group, a Malaysian robotics solutions company, has launched its Social Reintegration Programme in collaboration with Perkeso and Jabatan Penjara Malaysia. This initiative aims to employ rehabilitated individuals as drone pilots, equipping them with valuable skills and opportunities for a fresh start in society.

Aligned with Malaysia’s recent Budget 2025 initiatives to enhance employment opportunities for vulnerable groups, including ex-convicts, Meraque’s programme offers practical training and job placements as drone pilots. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his recent budget presentation, highlighted government efforts to support these groups through MyFutureJobs, MySTEP, and additional 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 plans to allocate 10-20 pilot placements in Selangor and Johor, with implementation targeted for Q1 2025. The programme is designed to offer potential extensions for participants who demonstrate notable performance, creating a meaningful and sustainable pathway for reintegration.

“Our vision is to give individuals from diverse backgrounds, including rehabilitated individuals, the opportunity to become skilled drone engineers and operators,” said Razalee Ismail, CEO of Meraque.

“I come from humble beginnings and understand the aspiration to improve and achieve something greater. By offering a second chance to ex-convicts, we are not only transforming their lives but also building a stronger, more inclusive workforce. I am committed to making this vision a reality and supporting these individuals as they embark on a new path toward meaningful and impactful careers,” he added.

Since 2017, Malaysia’s Corporate Smart Internship (CSI) initiative for the Parole Programme has enabled District Parole and Community Service Officers to secure job opportunities for individuals on parole, providing both theoretical and practical training to boost employability. Meraque’s partnership with CSI which began in September 2024 represents a commitment to empowering ex-convicts by training them as skilled drone pilots, which not only aids in their rehabilitation but also supports community integration and long-term professional development.

Through collaboration with the CSI initiative, Meraque contributes to the social reintegration of ex-convicts, offering them a renewed chance at life through comprehensive training as skilled drone pilots. This partnership supports individual rehabilitation and strengthens community integration and professional development.