KUCHING: The Malaysian government has strengthened its commitment to Armed Forces (ATM) veterans, introducing new initiatives to expand financial aid, enhance welfare programmes and ensure greater recognition for their service.
Speaking at the Disbursement Ceremony of Disability Compensation (GHU) for ATM Veterans at Penview Hotel, Major-General Datuk Semaon Marjuki highlighted the importance of ensuring all veterans are registered in the system.
“We have over 17,000 veterans in Sarawak, with 12 of them receiving assistance today. However, some veterans may still be unregistered and missing out on vital government support,” he said.
Maj-Gen Semaon emphasised the crucial role of veteran associations in helping former servicemen register and access available aid.
“These associations ensure that no veteran is left behind.
“Our collaboration must continue to grow to improve their overall well-being,” he added.
The event also marked the government’s latest efforts to expand disability benefits for ATM veterans nationwide.
Currently, 1,825 ATM veterans across Malaysia have been recorded as disabled due to service-related injuries, with 292 sustaining injuries during operations and high-risk training.
To address this, the government has enhanced its disability compensation framework, ensuring broader eligibility and increased financial aid.
Previously, only veterans with at least 20 per cent disability qualified for a pension, but under the new system, all veterans with injuries from one per cent to 100 per cent are now covered.
Additionally, GHU, once restricted to disabilities below 19 per cent, has been extended to all levels of disability, with compensation amounts ranging from RM6,000 to RM72,000.
The government has also significantly increased several allowances, including education support for the children of disabled veterans and financial aid for those requiring long-term care.
The Constant Care Allowance for veterans with 100 per cent disability or who are bedridden has been raised to RM1,500 per month, aligning with the 2022 Minimum Wage Order.
“This is a significant improvement and a testament to our commitment to recognising the sacrifices of our armed forces personnel.
“Serving in the military is unlike any other job, and these new measures acknowledge that reality,” he said.
Beyond financial aid, the government has introduced five key initiatives to support further veterans in their career transitions, skills development, and long-term welfare.
These include strengthening the veteran retirement ecosystem, expanding training opportunities, improving welfare assistance, fostering collaboration with industry and NGOs, and streamlining pension disbursement to ensure efficient payments.
Reaffirming its commitment to veteran welfare, the government has also increased the Department of Veterans Affairs (JHEV) ATM’s budget from RM 226 million in 2024 to RM 239 million in 2025.
These funds will support living assistance, medical aid, housing initiatives, education scholarships, and other welfare projects for veterans and their families.
“The increased funding reflects the government’s growing commitment to veterans, ensuring they receive the recognition, respect, and financial security they deserve,” he added.
Maj-Gen Semaon thanked all stakeholders involved in these efforts and called for continued collaboration to strengthen veteran welfare programmes.
“Veterans have given their best for the country, and we have to ensure they are well taken care of,” he concluded.
For the record, 12 out of 19 ATM veterans in Sarawak, all of whom are pensioned veterans, received assistance at the ceremony to honour the service and sacrifices of veterans who sustained injuries while performing active duty.
