KUALA LUMPUR: The target for the Tabung Pahlawan 2026/2027 collection is RM5mil, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said the fund was aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of Armed Forces veterans.
"I am confident we will be able to achieve the target with strong support from the public and corporate sector," he said at the launch of the fund's campaign on Monday (Oct 12).
He said previous campaigns had recorded encouraging growth in donations, rising from RM1.306mil in 2023/2024 to RM2.19mil in 2024/2025 and RM3.351mil in 2025/2026.
“The main beneficiaries of the fund are veterans and their dependents in need, particularly bedridden and elderly veterans with low incomes.
“The assistance covers basic necessities not provided by the Government, such as specialised milk, diapers and disposable medical supplies,” he said.
Also present were the fund patron Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Army chief Jeneral Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman, Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain and Air Force chief Jeneral Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.
Mohamed Khaled said the active participation of the public and corporate companies in contributing to the fund reflected their appreciation for the service and sacrifices of the nation's defenders.
He added that contributions from both companies through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes and individuals were eligible for income tax relief.
He also thanked the government for allocating RM304mil to the Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV) under the recently announced Budget 2027, saying the allocation would help ensure the continued welfare of veterans.
“Every contribution is valuable. Giving more shows our ability to help, while giving a little shows that we remember. Every contribution has a significant impact on the morale of military personnel, veterans and their families,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wan Azizah urged Malaysians to support the “One Citizen, One Ringgit” campaign to help veterans who need financial assistance for medical treatment and daily living expenses.
“When they are bedridden or ill, they require substantial financial support for healthcare, especially if they are no longer able to earn a living while still having families to support.
“Given their service to the country, they deserve the best possible support. These contributions demonstrate our concern, and we will ensure every sen is managed with integrity and that we deliver on our promises,” she said.
