ALOR SETAR: The government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and well-being of Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans who sustained disabilities while on duty, ensuring that their children are not neglected, says Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.
He stated that the government, through the ATM Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV), acknowledges the challenges faced by veterans who can no longer work due to service-related injuries, particularly in supporting their families and financing their children’s higher education.
“The government deeply values the sacrifices of ATM veterans. As such, the Defence Ministry, through JHEV, has enhanced several benefits, including educational assistance for veterans’ children.
“The education allowance for children of disabled pension recipients has been significantly increased from RM200-RM685 per year to RM1,600–RM5,400 per year, depending on the level of education.
“This marks an increase of 700% to 800% from the previous rate. Regardless of the injuries sustained in service, the government must uphold its responsibility to these veterans and their families, ensuring that their children’s education is not compromised,” he said after the Kedah ATM veterans’ disability compensation (GHU) presentation ceremony yesterday.
During the ceremony, 34 ATM veterans who sustained injuries during operations or high-risk training received GHU benefits, while eight recipients, comprising veterans’ children, were presented with laptops.
Adly added that the distribution of GHU benefits to more than 1,800 ATM veterans, originally scheduled for completion before Ramadan, will now be finalised before Aidilfitri due to logistical challenges, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, reported Bernama.
Corporal (Rtd) Abd Razak Saad, 66, from Sungai Petani, who lost his left foot during Ops Gubir in 1986, expressed his appreciation to the ministry for continuing to support veterans injured in the line of duty.
Aishah Humairah Abd Rahim, 19, a UiTM Seri Iskandar student who is coping with the loss of her father, received a laptop during the ceremony.
