BAU: The Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV ATM) is committed to improve all their initiatives related to retired and non-retired veterans, said Adly Zahari.
The Deputy Minister of Defence said that the five aspects of the initiatives are in terms of welfare, health, housing, education for veterans’ children, entrepreneurship, and second career opportunities.
Adly said this during the Key Handover Ceremony for the ATM Veteran Housing Initiative at the state level to ATM veteran, Zakaria Abdullah yesterday in Kampung Tanjung Bowang, Singai, Bau.
“This housing initiative is one of the efforts we’ve embarked upon to support our veteran members. Within our department, we administer two programmes. The first involves the construction of new homes, and today, we are actively participating in one of these programmes.
“This year, we have granted approval for a total of forty-four new home construction projects across the country. These housing projects receive partial funding from the Veterans Affairs Department of the Malaysian Armed Forces, with the remainder coming from the Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB).
“The construction cost is RM85,000 in the Peninsula and RM95,000 in Sarawak and Sabah, with RM75,000 contributed by the JHEV ATM and the remaining sum by the housing company.
“These initiatives represent our commitment to veterans and our sense of responsibility as we continue to develop and improve their housing options,” he said.
Additionally, they are actively involved in home repair projects, addressing the immediate needs of veterans. To date, they have successfully completed repairs for over 200 homes.
“Our commitment is steadfast,” he said, adding that the department is dedicated to obtaining a larger budget. This determination stems from their expenditure of over RM5 million this year on new home construction, with the aim of expanding the availability of homes for veterans in need.
“We are aware that our military personnel in Sarawak are substantial contributors to our nation’s defence and sovereignty.
“Our dedication remains consistent throughout the entire nation, be it the Peninsula, Sarawak, or Sabah. Our foremost priority is to ensure the continual protection and well-being of our veteran members,” he said.
This housing programme represents one of the initiatives launched by the Ministry of Defence to actualise and align with the goals set forth in the Kertas Putih Pertahanan (KPP). Its primary objective is to consistently uphold the welfare and well-being of ATM veterans, recognising their service and sacrifices.
