GEDONG: The Madani Veterans Care Programme (PVM) by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has benefitted 82 Sarawak Armed Forces veterans so far this year.
During a two-day visit to the state, Mindef Deputy Minister Adly Zahari personally visited 20 ailing and chronically ill veterans, as well as a veteran operating a food business.
Adly noted that the purpose of the PVM is to ensure that government policies are effectively implemented by providing the necessary budget and ensuring that these initiatives reach the veterans at the grassroots level.
As such, he asserted that the ministry has focused on reaching out to rural areas.
“We are addressing several aspects during our interactions with the veterans. Among these, we are assessing their healthcare needs.
“As a result of this visit, we have identified four houses that need repairs. Additionally, we are assisting with schooling support, having met several veterans whose children require educational aid.
“Some veterans and their widows are also supporting children with disabilities, and we aim to enhance our support for them.”
He told the media this after attending the PVM at KVG Cafe, Gedong, Monday (Aug 26).
Additionally, Adly also urged veterans and their families to be aware of the various programmes, initiatives, and incentives provided by the government, as well as those offered by veterans associations.
Sarawak has nearly 17,000 Armed Forces veterans, with almost 5,000 of them being non-pensioned.
As such, Adly encouraged veterans to register and update their personal information with the Department of Veterans Affairs (JHEV ATM) and their local associations to ensure that all eligible veterans receive aid in an organised and effective manner.
“Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an increase in assistance for non-pensioned Armed Forces veterans from RM300 to RM500.
“Alhamdulillah, he recognises the high needs of veterans, and we have increased the aid to RM500. We are in the process of enhancing this contribution further.
“Earlier today, we visited a longhouse, where we met veterans as well as widows who still require assistance. This is why we hope more veterans and their families become aware of the programmes, initiatives, and incentives provided.”
During the visit, he also handed out essential supplies such as food, health supplements, and disposable diapers to each veteran he visited.
Additionally, 550 Rahmah baskets were distributed to local veterans associations for underprivileged veterans.
The PVM initiative serves as a platform for two-way interaction between the ministry and Armed Forces veterans, focusing on five key areas: welfare, healthcare, housing, education, and economic empowerment of veterans.
Mindef is committed to enhancing PVM through collaboration with the Armed Forces Health Services Division, the Department of Social Welfare, and other relevant agencies.
This ongoing welfare visit series aims to ensure that no Armed Forces veteran is left behind in receiving the benefits provided.
