MIRI: The government is reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of former military personnel by increasing the allocation for the Department of Veterans Affairs (JHEV) of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) from RM118 million to RM244 million.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari stated that this significant increase would greatly benefit ATM veterans.
He added that the government is also working to extend assistance to more veterans, particularly those without pensions and stable incomes.
“The Cost of Living Aid (BSH) of RM300 per month, introduced last year, will rise to RM500 starting this December, benefiting approximately 30,067 veterans.”
This year, the budget for veterans has been enhanced, providing greater opportunities for assistance through various forms of aid, he noted during a press conference following the Program Peduli Veteran Madani (PVM) here today.
Adly explained that the PVM initiative serves as a platform for two-way interaction between the Ministry of Defence and ATM veterans, focusing on five main areas: welfare, health, housing, education, and economic empowerment for veterans.
He noted that PVM will continue to be the ministry’s platform for delivering welfare support and entrepreneurial incentives to veterans in need, encouraging them to improve their socioeconomic status.
Additionally, Adly mentioned that the 11th series of PVM took place in Miri from Oct 30 to 31, reaching out to a total of 21 veterans, both with and without pensions.
“This programme, initiated last year, aims to engage veterans by visiting their homes and assessing the aid schemes provided. It allows us to offer more meaningful support and gather feedback to enhance existing programmes,” he noted.
