Kuala Lumpur: The government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and well-being of Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans, who sustained disabilities while on duty, ensuring that their children are not neglected, said Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the government, through the ATM Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV), recognizes the challenges faced by veterans who can no longer work due to service-related injuries, particularly in supporting their families and financing their children’s higher education. Adly Zahari noted that the Ministry of Defence, through JHEV, has enhanced several benefits, including educational assistance for veterans’ children. The education allowance for children of disabled pension recipients has been significantly increased, from RM200 – RM685 per year to RM1,600 – RM5,400 per year, depending on the level of education.

This marks an increase of 700 to 800 per cent from the previous rate. Adly emphasized the government’s responsibility to ensure that the sacrifices of ATM veterans are valued and that their children’s education is not compromised, despite the injuries sustained in service. He made these remarks following the Kedah ATM veterans’ disability compensation (GHU) presentation ceremony.

During the ceremony, 34 ATM veterans, who sustained injuries during operations or high-risk training, received GHU benefits, while eight recipients, comprising veterans’ children, were presented with laptops. Adly also mentioned that the distribution of GHU benefits to over 1,800 ATM veterans, originally scheduled for completion before Ramadan, will now be finalized before Aidilfitri due to logistical challenges, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.