JELEBU, May 19 (Bernama) — The Department of Veterans Affairs of the Malaysian Armed Forces (JHEV ATM) has allocated RM4.6 million to build and repair 228 houses belonging to ATM veterans nationwide this year.
Its director-general, Major General Datuk Dzulkarnain Ahmad, said work on 46 houses had been completed, while the rest were still under construction, with one house unit costing about RM70,000.
He said the ATM Veteran Housing Initiative, which started last year, reflected the government’s concern for the welfare of ATM veterans.
“The programme involved a total cost of RM4.9 million through the Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB).
“For veterans who already own a house, but in need of repair, they are provided with assistance of between RM15,000 and RM17,000. We have received more than 1,000 applications so far,” he told reporters after presenting the key to the owners of new houses built under the programme today.
He said those who were eligible for the assistance under the programme could apply through the JHEV office in their respective state.
Dzulkarnain said apart from the housing initiative, several other programmes were also being planned for implementation to empower the ATM veterans as well as improve their socio-economic status and quality of life.
“For those aged 60 and above, we focus on their welfare,while for those aged 60 and below, we provide training and job opportunities, including working with corporate companies to encourage them to do business online.
“We also set up the Myveteran mall, an e-commerce platform, for them to advertise their products and this year, we are collaborating with UNIRAZAK to provide a place for children of ATM veterans to continue their studies at the Matriculation level for free,” he added.
Meanwhile, Corporal (Rtd) Mohamad Sahil Mat Said, 53, who received a new house under the programme, described the house as a special gift in conjunction with Syawal after waiting for almost three years.
"Alhamdulillah, we need more initiatives like this to help other veterans,” he said, adding that he retired from the service 12 years ago.
— BERNAMA
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