Sarawak PVTLDM welcomes Special Aid For Veterans Under Budget 2026

SIBU, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak branch of the Royal Malaysian Navy Veterans Association (PVTLDM) has expressed relief and gratitude over the federal government’s decision to allocate a Special Financial Assistance (BKK) of RM250 to all military veterans under Budget 2026.

Its deputy president, Hussain Abdul Rani, said the financial aid means a great deal to more than 200 Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) veterans in the state, helping them cover expenses, especially for Muslims in preparation for next year’s Aidilfitri celebration.

He said the aid clearly reflected the government’s concern and commitment to the welfare of all military veterans, including RMN veterans in Sarawak.

“For us, this assistance is a form of recognition and appreciation from the government for the contributions and sacrifices of military veterans in safeguarding the nation’s security and sovereignty throughout their service.

“We thank the Prime Minister for the financial aid and for his concern towards the welfare of military veterans. We advise the recipients to spend the money wisely so that the government’s objectives can be achieved,” he said after a meeting between Sarawak PVTLDM and Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew today.

The meeting discussed the welfare of RMN veterans in Sarawak and the future direction of the association.

During the meeting, Lau also announced an allocation of RM2,000 from the federal government’s Minor Rural Project fund to Sarawak PVTLDM to help finance the association’s activities.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, when tabling Budget 2026 in Parliament on Oct 10, announced a RM500 BKK for civil servants from Grade 56 and below, including contract appointees.

A BKK of RM250 will also be given to retirees, including both pensioned and non-pensioned veterans, with payments to be disbursed in early March.

Meanwhile, Hussain said this year marks a special milestone for Sarawak PVTLDM, which was invited to attend the Malaysian Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2025 organised by the Malaysian Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association at the National Monument in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 21.

He added that on Nov 15, the association will once again be honoured when it is invited by the Penang Veterans to attend the annual ceremony commemorating fallen soldiers in the state.

-- BERNAMA