‘Govt spent RM3.28b on veterans welfare’

KUALA LUMPUR: The government spent RM3.28 billion last year on the welfare of the country’s veteran armed forces personnel, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

In a blog post yesterday, Najib said the allocation encompassed pension, rewards, medical benefits, house construction and repairs and funeral rites, among others.

“The government also provides health and natural disaster aid of RM5,000. There is also aid in terms of children’s admission to universities with RM1,000 for diplomas and RM1,500 for degrees.

“To ease the burden of veterans who are poor, sick, disabled or have chronic diseases, they are eligible for a RM300 monthly aid.”

The prime minister called on Malaysians to be more appreciative of armed forces personnel who had sacrificed for the country’s security.

He said the forces’ contributions to the nation were endless and thus, it was important for Malaysians to recognise and respect them as national heroes.

“Have you ever wondered how we manage to carry out our daily activities safely?

“Whether we realise it or not, the armed forces takes care of our borders and public places, risking their lives to protect the country from internal and external threats.”