JHEV ATM Extends Aid To Veterans, Widows Under Warriors Fund

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV ATM) today aided three veterans and two widows facing various life challenges through the Ziarah Kasih programme under the Warriors Fund Campaign (KTP).

Supported by campaign patron Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the programme included visits to five homes in the Desa Tun Razak People’s Housing Project in Cheras to check on recipients' health, welfare and needs before handing over donations.

Recipients included the widow of a British Army and Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) veteran, alongside veterans from RAMD, the Royal Malaysian Air Force  and Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

JHEV ATM director-general Major General Datuk Semaon Marjuki said the initiative forms part of the government's continuous efforts to recognise veterans' sacrifices in serving the nation's peace and security.

He said JHEV ATM offers various aids, including for urban hardcore poor veterans below the national Poverty Line Income (PGK), adding that the department is now using the Veteran Integrated Benefit System (VIBES 2.0) to ensure government aid reaches the truly eligible.

"We don't want any veteran left behind because many weren't aware of our systems before. Now everyone must update their data so aid gets to those who need it," he told reporters after the visits.

Meanwhile, Bandar Tun Razak MP Dr Wan Azizah said on-the-ground visits are vital to identify and assist veterans and widows who might otherwise slip through the cracks.

"We sometimes need to go out and find them, as people get missed or don't know about the help available. That's why we reach out to provide better support," she said.

Aid recipient Grace Esther Ghaniah Paul Raj, 70, said she was deeply touched and grateful, as the aid will lighten her daily struggles.

She said her late husband, a 13-year Royal Engineers Regiment veteran, died of a heart attack in 2007, adding that since then, she has depended on her bus driver son and Bantuan Sara Hidup payments for monthly costs.

Others at the visits included Prime Minister’s political secretary Datuk Azman Abidin and Yayasan Veteran ATM chief executive officer Lieutenant Colonel Azwadi Jamian.

-- BERNAMA