Patriot: Make sure eligible veterans are getting much needed aid

 

Armed forces veterans' group Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan wants the Defence Ministry (Mindef) to ensure that veterans in need of aid are able to receive the funds allocated to them, especially those who live in remote areas.

"Patriot is thankful for the government for providing a one-time Bantuan Khas Kewangan (special finance aid) of RM300 to all veterans including those with no pension, which was announced by the finance minister when he tabled Budget 2021 in Parliament.

"Although RM300 is not a big amount, it is better than nothing. Since 2019, all pension and non-pension veterans should have received a total of RM1,250. The breakdown is as follows: Bonus 2019 - RM 250; Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) - RM500; and Prihatin - RM500," said Patriot president Brig-Gen (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji in a statement today.

He doubted that all veterans, including non-pensioners, received the RM1,250. He said the Veteran Affairs Department (JHEV) might not have the bank account details of all veterans, adding that there is an urgent need for JHEV to immediately update their records.

Arshad called on veterans who were unaware of such payments to check with JHEV on this matter.

He said Patriot was concerned for elderly veterans who have lost touch with their comrades.

"A large number live in rural and remote areas and many do not have phone contacts. In any case, attempts must be made to reach out to them.

"Even if the RM300 reaches them late, the gesture of recognition is more important - that they once served and were prepared to die for the country," said Arshad.

As such, Patriot requests all veterans' associations to work closely with JHEV on this matter.

"Patriot would also like Mindef and our government to seriously consider the plight of veterans who have retired before 2004.

"There is a huge disparity in pension scale between those who retired before and after 2004. This matter has been brought up several times to higher authorities without any positive outcome. We implore Mindef and our government to seriously consider this matter," he said. - Mkini