KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 — Approximately 1,821 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans who sustained injuries while serving have received an increased Disability Pension (PHU) rate, effective January 1.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the PHU is provided monthly to MAF veterans with a disability degree ranging from one to 100 per cent.
Meanwhile, for the Disability Gratuity (GHU), granted for injuries sustained during active duty, he said it is given as a one-off payment to affected MAF personnel.
“As of March 6, a total of 218 recipients have received GHU, amounting to RM6.88 million,” Adly said during his ministry’s winding-up debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address in the Dewan Negara today.
Regarding the Education Allowance, he noted that it is disbursed as a lump sum payment, ranging from RM1,600 to RM5,400 per year, depending on the level of education.
“The constant-attendance allowance has been increased from RM440 to RM1,500 per month, recognising that partially disabled veterans require care from family members,” he said.
On assistance schemes aimed at easing the financial burden of non-pensionable veterans, the Defence Ministry, via the Department of Veterans Affairs, has raised the monthly living assistance scheme from RM300 to RM500.
“As of February this year, a total of 31,858 veterans have received this assistance, with an allocation of RM31.65 million.
“For the veterans' housing initiative, we aim to construct 60 new units this year, while 220 existing houses are targeted for repair works,” Adly said.
On the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM), 45,764 veterans have received the medal, with 76,052 recipients still pending.
“This campaign medal is awarded to MAF veterans who served during operations against the Malayan Communist Party or the Second Emergency (from January 1, 1969, to December 2, 1989), as well as those who fought against the North Kalimantan Communist Party until October 17, 1990.
“The ministry remains committed to ensuring that all deserving MAF veterans receive the PJM,” he said.
— Bernama
