Tawau, 10 September 2024 – Deputy Minister of Defence, YB Adly Zahari, during his visit to Sabah from 8 to 10 September 2024 for the Madani Veteran Care Program (PVM) in the Tawau area, had the opportunity to engage with 11 ATM veterans, including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, widows, children with disabilities, and entrepreneurs.

During the visit, YB Adly also had the honor of presenting the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) to one of the veterans, who was unable to attend the previous award ceremony due to health issues.

"The PVM initiative ensures that veterans are not only appreciated symbolically but are also provided with practical support to enhance their quality of life," said YB Adly during the press conference. "This contribution is a token of our appreciation to the ATM veterans who have sacrificed for the country. We are committed to ensuring they receive the support and assistance they deserve as a recognition of their service."

Supporting the 6th Core of the Madani Policy, 'Ihsan', the government has committed to increasing the JHEV ATM allocation from RM118 million to RM244 million in 2024. This significant increase will provide broader benefits to ATM veterans. Therefore, ATM veterans are encouraged to register and update their personal information with JHEV ATM and their local associations to ensure that all assistance schemes provided by JHEV ATM, such as the Cost of Living Assistance (BSH), Schooling Assistance, Assistance for Higher Education Institutions, Patient Equipment Assistance, and Natural Disaster Assistance, can be distributed efficiently and effectively to eligible veterans.

This year, the government has also tripled the allocation for the Cost of Living Assistance, increasing it from RM54 million to RM174 million. As of 30 June 2024, a total of 29,331 ATM veterans have received these benefits, involving nearly RM56 million in expenditure.

The PVM initiative serves as a platform for two-way interaction between the Ministry of Defence and ATM veterans, focusing on five main areas: welfare, health, housing, education, and economic empowerment of ATM veterans. PVM will continue to be a platform for the ministry to deliver welfare contributions and entrepreneurial incentives to veterans in need, as encouragement to enhance their socio-economic well-being.

This Madani Veteran Care Program visit was also accompanied by the Deputy Director-General of JHEV ATM, Mr. Sophian Isswandy bin Ismail, Assistant Director of JHEV ATM Sabah, Captain Muhammad Khaidir bin Ramlee TUDM, Chief Executive Officer of the ATM Veterans Foundation, Lt. Col. (B) Azwadi bin Jamian, members from the Tawau District Social Welfare Department (JKM), and representatives from local associations in Tawau.