KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s announcement of a monthly RM300 Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) aid for non-pensionable veterans from the age of 60 is news that all members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) have been waiting for a long time.
President of the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) Datuk Sharuddin Omar said the initiative could increase the monthly income of veterans who have been devoted to serving the country to continue with their lives.
“I would like to thank the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for this initiative that will benefit more than 41,000 non-pensionable veterans,” he told Bernama here yesterday.
He said the announcement was also in line with PVATM’s struggle which emphasises the welfare of veterans throughout the country.
Perak’s PVATM chairman Lt Col (Rtd) Aminuddin Ab Karim expressed his happiness with the announcement because there are many ATM veterans who do not have regular income or jobs.
“This is very good news because not everyone has a fixed income and has a job at this advanced age… it can help to some extent to ease the burden they bear every month,” he said.
Former member of the Royal Malaysian Engineers Regiment Azman Senan, 65, is grateful for the announcement because he currently only depends on his three children who are already working.
“I thank the government for being able to help us … I really need this help,” he said.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, in a statement yesterday, said that the BSH of RM300 per month will be extended for non-pensionable veterans from the age of 60 compared to previously when it was only enjoyed at age 80, effective this September.
The proposal was agreed at the Cabinet Committee on Public Service Reform (JKK-PPA) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. — BERNAMA
