Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Ex-Police Association (PBPM) has made an appeal to the government to introduce a monthly cost-of-living allowance for former police personnel who do not receive pensions, as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions and sacrifices for the nation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mokhtar Omar, the president of PBPM, emphasized that approximately 40,000 out of the association's 86,000 registered members are non-pensionable former police officers, including those from the Special Squad, Home Guard, and contract inspectors during the Emergency. These individuals are facing significant financial challenges due to the rising cost of living after losing their steady income.

Mokhtar highlighted the crucial role these former personnel played during the Emergency in maintaining national security and suggested that the government could manage the financial support for their welfare without substantial strain. He proposed a monthly special allowance of RM300 to RM500 for recipients of the Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara (PJPN) to honor their service.

Additionally, Mokhtar called for a reassessment of the Police Heritage Trust Fund (TAWP) to elevate the assistance rates and broaden the scope of welfare support, which should include education, healthcare, and disaster relief aid.

In a related effort, PBPM Information Chief Datuk Dr Basant Singh Sidhu announced that the association plans to host a fundraising dinner in October. The goal is to raise RM1 million through contributions from the corporate sector, multinational companies, private organizations, and individuals concerned about the welfare of former police personnel.

"The raised funds will be allocated to support members in need by providing medical equipment, wheelchairs, milk, hearing aids, and other essential items," Dr Basant Singh Sidhu stated.