State mulls over setting up village for armed forces veterans
KUCHING: Sarawak is mulling the setting up of a new village meant especially for former armed forces personnel.
According to Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, if the plan materialised then Sarawak would be the third state in the country to have such a facility after Perak and Johor. However, he said, the plan was still undergoing a feasibility study.
“Currently, the location has yet to be identified.
“And also, it would take a few stages before the project could be implemented. We are now at the initial stage to look for a suitable location for the purpose,” Dr Hazland said during an appreciation dinner held for the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans’ Association ( PVATM) and members of the media here recently.
Dr Hazland who is also the patron of PVATM Kuching, revealed that the plan to set up such a village for former armed forces personnel had been agreed to by former Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
“The setting up of such a special village which will include facilities such as a school and a clinic, was requested by members of PVATM Kuching themselves. So we hope this could become a reality soon,” he said.
On another issue, Dr Hazland said PVATM Kuching also hoped the government could hasten the case processing of those who were unqualified for any pension, to be provided with pension, as the matter has been forwarded to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and has been relayed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for consideration.
At the function, Dr Hazland announced a grant of RM20,000 for PVATM Kuching to carry out its activities. He also gave cash incentivestothechildrenofPVATM members who obtained excellent results in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, to widows of veterans as well as to veterans who were handicapped and elderly.
Currently, the location has yet to be identified. Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Demak Laut assemblyman