Kuala lumpur: The Public Service Department (JPA) will continue to enhance support for government retirees in recognition of their invaluable services and sacrifices, through initiatives such as the Santuni Pesara Programme and assistance for those in need. Director-General of Public Service (KPPA) Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said the government has always placed emphasis on the welfare of retirees, recognising their significant contributions to the country's development throughout their years of service.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wan Ahmad Dahlan stated, 'Whenever I attend programmes outside, I make time to visit our retirees who have contributed greatly to the country. We conduct programmes like this regularly, as looking after their welfare is among our priorities. Retirees have rendered their best service throughout their years of service, and their contributions and sacrifices over the years will never be forgotten. Every time there is a salary review for civil servants, their pensions will also be adjusted (accordingly).' He said this after visiting 102-year-old Ong Siew Choon, the oldest government retiree in Negeri Sembilan, at her residence today. Ong now lives with her daughter, Yeoh Kim Yeok, a 75-year-old retired teacher.
Wan Ahmad Dahlan mentioned that JPA has, to date, visited more than 125 retirees facing various health challenges this year through joint efforts with the Retirement Fund (Incorporated) (KWAP) and the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister's Department. Through the collaboration, retirees requiring assistance, including hospital beds, wheelchairs and financial aid, would receive the necessary support to help ease their burden. 'The assistance may not be able to fulfil all their needs, but it can at least help reduce the burden on retirees who have contributed significantly during their years of service,' he said.
He added that JPA has a comprehensive database of government retirees, including those suffering from chronic illnesses, enabling assistance to be channelled more effectively according to their needs. Time constraints remain among the main challenges in reaching out to retirees, hence JPA encourages its officers to take advantage of their field duties to visit and check on them. 'InsyaAllah, I want this to become a culture at JPA, where our officers, whenever they are in the field, will take the time to meet retirees, check on their well-being and provide assistance where needed, particularly in matters related to health,' he said.
Meanwhile, Yeoh expressed her appreciation for JPA's visit, saying the gesture reflected the government's continued recognition of retirees' services and sacrifices. 'I was surprised and touched to see so many people coming. I am grateful that JPA has not forgotten the services of retirees even though we have long left the service. We were appreciated during our years of service, and even after retirement, JPA still remembers us. That means a lot to us,' she said.
During the visit, Wan Ahmad Dahlan presented Ong with donations in the form of basic necessities, including disposable diapers and food baskets, as she suffers from heart and hearing problems due to her age.