SERIAN: The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has committed to finalising revisions to disability benefits for veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) within this year.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said that the ministry reassessed the rates of the scheme at the end of last year and is now awaiting approval from relevant government agencies before it can proceed to Cabinet endorsement.
“We completed the scheme’s revision at the ministry level last year. Once it has received the necessary approvals, it will be presented to the Cabinet to support our disabled veterans,” he said at the ‘Peduli Veteran Madani’ event held at the Serian Community Hall today (Apr 27).
Adly noted that the existing benefit rates have been unchanged since 1967, emphasising the need for an update in 2024.
Furthermore, he affirmed the ministry’s commitment to enhancing policies through the Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV) to prioritise veterans’ welfare.
“This includes boosting JHEV’s allocations to improve service quality and focusing on the health and welfare of veterans, especially those over 60.
“For those aged 40 to 60, we are strengthening our efforts to provide more substantial support,” he added.
Adly encouraged ATM veterans to continue their active engagement and contribution of new ideas for future policies.
In March, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said that the reassessment of the ATM veterans’ disability benefits, including disability pensions and allowances, was prompted by the outdated nature of the current scheme and its inadequacy in reflecting the current economic conditions.
“The Armed Forces Council approved the proposal on October 24, 2023. We are now preparing a draft Cabinet Memorandum for further reviews by federal agencies before submission for government approval,” he added.
Also present during the event were JHEV deputy director-general Sophian Isswandy Ismail and Lt-General (R) Datuk Stephen Mundaw.
