BSH shows govt’s concern for military veteran welfare
Published on: Saturday, August 12, 2023
By: Bernama
Mohd Rani Husin
KOTA BHARU: Non-Pensionable Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVTTBM) described the extension of the Cost of Living Aid (BSH) to the group demonstrated the government’s concern for the members’ welfare and well-being.
Its President Mohd Rani Husin said the initiative added value to the various forms of assistance already enjoyed by the armed forces personnel.
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“Some personnel who do not have a pension face the cost of living in their old age and have to do various jobs for survival.
“However, there are also many members who are old and unable to generate income.
“The measure taken by this government is very meaningful for them, at least they can use it for necessities,” he said when contacted by Bernama, Friday.
Mohd Rani, also the Kelantan PVTTB president, said the initiative was also viewed as an appreciation to the armed forces members for their sacrifices to maintain and safeguard the country’s peace.
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He said there are about 10,000 non-pensionable veterans under PVTTB who are currently doing various jobs for survival and about 30 per cent of them are unwell and unable to work.
“We hope that this BSH will continue unconditionally in order to ease the burden of all non-pensionable veterans nationwide and that the number can be increased from time to time,” he said.
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Meanwhile, Mahmood Mohd Nor, who served the Royal British Army in Singapore before he was absorbed into the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), and now lives with his son in Kampung Baung, Pengkalan Chepa, said that all his needs were taken care of by his children after his health deteriorated due to old age.
Mahmood, 86, said he started living with his son after his wife, a Dutch national, Corrin Perial or Maimun Salleh whom he married in 1958 died seven years ago.
He said before his health started to deteriorate, he did various jobs including business after ending his service as a lance corporal in 1974.
According to Mahmood, his 20 years of experience in the armed forces, including defending the country during the state of emergency (1948-1978), was based on his love for the nation and to free the country from the grip of the communists.
“It is my sincere struggle for the country without expecting anything in return. I think this BSH assistance is a sign of the government’s appreciation to people like us and I can use it for my expenses,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when chairing the Cabinet Committee on Public Service Reform meeting has agreed to continue BSH of RM300 per month for non-pensionable veterans for those aged 60 and above compared with 80 previously.
This BSH extension will come into effect next month and will benefit a total of 41,970 non-pensionable veterans with an additional financial implication of RM151.1 million per year.
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