THERE is a possibility that many army veterans who had retired years ago from the force throughout the country are missing out on the numerous health aid and financial welfare packages provided by the federal government under the Madani schemes.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said his ministry is currently on an active drive to get those who are missing out to register themselves for such benefits provided by Putrajaya.
“At present, the record in the ministry’s Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran states that there are about 213,000 registered army veterans nationwide.
“We in the ministry believe that the actual number of veterans who had served the army since decades ago is much higher than the recorded figure.
“Possibly there are more who are not registered and cannot be traced as they had changed their addresses and telephone contacts or had moved back to their original settlements in the interior.
“We want to have all veterans registered so that they can enjoy the Madani benefits,” he said when attending a gathering with army veterans in Serian town in southern Sarawak yesterday evening.
Adly said the current policies in place required the veterans to register personally with the Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran once they had left the force.
“Their personal data with the army when they were on active duty cannot be used by the Jabatan Hal Ehwal Veteran in the ministry once they have left the force or have retired.
“Those who had left the force or retired must apply to be a member of the veteran section.
“Only then can the numerous incentives and benefits from the Madani welfare packages reach them,” he said.
He called on those in society who know of army veterans living in their midst to inform them of the need to register to get the Madani aid.
In remote locations in Sarawak and Sabah, there is a possibility of a large number of army veterans now living in their ancestral settlements deep in the remote reaches.
He urged those who know their whereabouts to help inform them of the welfare benefits they can secure if they are registered. – April 28, 2024.
