Over 29,000 non-pensionable veterans get monthly aid, thanks to PM’s initiative

SIBU (July 26): A total of 29,331 non-pensionable Armed Forces (ATM) veterans have received the Cost of Living Aid (BSH) so far.

In announcing this, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari says the latest initiative, introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is run under the Department of Veterans Affairs (JHEV).

“They (non-pensionable veterans) receive a monthly assistance of RM300 each.

“This can at least help reduce the burden off these veterans.

“We hope this could also assist in taking care of their welfare,” Adly told reporters when met after officiating at the district-level ‘Program Peduli Veteran Madani’ today.

Adding on, the deputy minister said the government, via the JHEV, had increased the allocation especially for ATM veterans, from RM118 million last year to RM244 million this year.

“There is quite a big increase.

“We can see from the BSH alone, we spent RM54 million last year; this year, we’re spending RM174 million.”

Adding on, Adly commended JHEV’s efforts of reaching out to all veterans, including those in the rural areas.

“In Sibu District alone, there are 1,340 veterans, with 313 of them being non-pensioned veterans.

“In Kapit, we have a veteran who is 101 years old, whom we met just now.

“Indeed, we are aware that these veterans require welfare and health services.

“From what we have seen in Song and Kapit just now, indeed these veterans are cared for by the JHEV, and allocation would always reach the veterans.

“This said, we always strive to improve on the existing schemes in JHEV meant to help the veterans).”

Earlier, Adly said the event covered Song and Kapit districts.

“Our visits will continue to Kanowit, Bintangor and the surrounding areas in Sibu tomorrow (today),” he said.

Also present at the press conference were JHEV director-general Maj-Gen Dato Zambery Darus and Yayasan JHEV chief operating officer Lt-Col Azwadi Jamian.