KENINGAU: The welfare of Armed Forces veterans remains a key government agenda through the implementation of the Madani Veteran Care Programme (PVM) 2026, aimed at engaging veterans directly and addressing their needs on the ground.
Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Adly Zahari said the programme enables the government to better understand local needs and ensure assistance reaches targeted recipients more effectively through a hands-on approach.
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“The programme focuses on five key areas – welfare, healthcare, housing, education and economic empowerment – to improve the well-being of Armed Forces veterans,” he said during the PVM 2026 programme here on Wednesday.
Adly said the government has introduced a monthly assistance of RM500 for non-pensioned Armed Forces veterans aged 60 and above as part of efforts to strengthen their social safety net.
He added that veterans with school-going children would also receive a RM700 annual one-off schooling assistance to help ease financial burdens and support their children’s educational needs.
According to him, Sabah has 7,893 registered Armed Forces veterans, including 855 in Keningau. For 2026, a total of RM850,423 has been allocated under the Sabah Armed Forces Veterans Housing Initiative for house repair and new house construction projects.
Meanwhile, Keningau branch Armed Forces Veterans Association chairman Pius Nain @ Valentine expressed appreciation to the Defence Ministry for its continued commitment to veterans’ welfare, especially those facing health challenges and requiring home repair assistance.
One of the aid recipients, Salamin Mujun, thanked the government and the Defence Ministry for their continued support, saying the assistance had helped ease financial pressures and provided encouragement to him and his family.
He described initiatives such as home repair assistance, the RM500 monthly living aid and Rahmah Basket contributions as meaningful and timely support for veterans facing hardship after retirement.
