KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Veterans Association is hoping pension adjustments will be included in Budget 2023, which will be tabled on Oct 7.
It also wants the government to consider the issue of allowance for Pingat Jasa Malaysia recipients, and an increase in subsistence for veterans in the B40 group.
ALSO READ: Boost for B40 ex-servicemen
Association president Datuk Sharuddin Omar said the tabling of the Budget was highly anticipated by veterans across the country because the three requests concerned their welfare.
"We want this budget to benefit all veterans," he said in a recent interview.
Sharuddin said two of the five matters the association fought for recently had been met: an improvement in derivative pension, and the setting up of an advisory panel to consider the application of former soldiers to be recognised as veterans.
ALSO READ: Housing units for army veterans to be built from 2023
On the pension adjustment for soldiers who retired before 2013, former Nuri helicopter pilot Maj (Rtd) Dr Nor Ibrahim Sulaiman said the government should consider this in the Budget because it affects the daily life of retirees.
"For example, I retired in 1992 after serving 25 years with full dedication. The maximum basic salary for the rank of Major at that time was RM2,584. The pension of 50% of basic salary is RM1,292.
"Until 2013 the government gave a 2% adjustment every year. Only after 26 years of retirement, I got to enjoy a pension of RM2,682. This means I belong to the B40 category," he said, in expressing his hope that the government would consider the veterans' requests favourably.
Former soldier Ariffin Taib, who served in the first peacekeeping mission under the United Nations (UN) in Congo, said the welfare of military retirees, especially from the health aspect, should not be overlooked.
"The facilities and services at the MAF hospital for military personnel and retirees are very good. However, some medicines that we need are difficult to obtain and costly too.
"In my case, although I was treated at a government hospital, some drugs and supplements have to be bought outside, and they are not cheap," he said.
He hoped the government would consider a scheme for veterans to fill their medical needs at a lower cost.
ALSO READ: Over 3,700 MAF vets involved in gig economy
Defence analyst Dr Azmi Hassan said better skill training allocations need to be provided for military personnel who are about to retire so that they can explore other career opportunities, especially those related to high technology.
"This skill training may cost more than usual as outside parties could be involved," he added. – Bernama
