Cheaper essentials for military personnel, veterans at Pernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Military personnel and veterans will be able to buy essential goods at discounted prices throughout the year under a Defence Ministry initiative offered through Malaysian Armed Forces Trading Corporation (Pernama) outlets.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the Harga Istimewa, Tentera Sejahtera (HITS) initiative would offer discounts of up to 30 per cent on 308 items at all 80 Pernama outlets nationwide.

He said the initiative was part of broader efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel.

He said the ministry had introduced various initiatives involving housing, healthcare, education, skills development and economic opportunities, with HITS focusing on reducing daily expenses for military families.

"Pernama will play a big role in offering goods at truly affordable prices, even lower than retail prices," he said after launching HITS at Pernama Kem Terendak in Melaka yesterday.

Khaled said Pernama must channel its profits back to the armed forces by offering cheaper goods.

"But for that to happen, military personnel must support Pernama. The higher the sales, the better the returns," he said.