JHEV SETS ASIDE RM8 MLN FOR NEW BUILDS, HOME REPAIRS NATIONWIDE THIS YEAR

SEREMBAN, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV) has allocated RM8 million for the construction of new residential units and repairs of homes of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans nationwide this year.

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the allocation involves the construction of 40 new residential units at a cost of RM75,000 per house in the peninsula and RM85,000 in Sabah and Sarawak, and the repair of 280 veterans’ houses at about RM17,000 per unit at the ceiling rate.

"The allocation this year is RM303.3 million for the JHEV, and of that amount, RM274.4 million or 90 per cent will be disbursed directly for the welfare of the MAF veterans’ community.

"Early part of the year, we begin with the price quotation and, hopefully, by March or April, we can start construction or repairs of these houses, in addition to completing last year's projects,” he told reporters after officiating at the handing-over of new homes under the MAF Veterans’ Housing Initiative to the veterans and their widows here today.

Adly said the housing initiative was created to assist low-income-earning MAF veterans or their widows who do not own houses or live in dilapidated homes but have land suitable for the construction of residential units.

Meanwhile, Adly said that as of last December, 32 new applications for new builds and 316 applications for repair works were approved, involving an allocation of RM7.24 million, with three new residential units built and 33 houses repaired in Negeri Sembilan.

He added that the ministry has consistently sought to increase the allocation for housing aid since 2021, namely from RM4.86 million to RM7.243 million last year.

In another development, Adly said the ministry has consistently cooperated fully with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on any ongoing investigation, including those involving the agency's officers.

He said this when asked to comment on the current situation involving the ministry, while adding that the ministry will implement several initiatives throughout this year to strengthen integrity in its management system.

Commenting on the public's perception of the MAF following this, he said confidence in the country's security personnel has not been affected, thanks to their sacrifices in defending national sovereignty and security.

"They not only sacrifice time and energy, but also their lives for the country. We appreciate their sacrifices, but at the same time, anything related to integrity certainly becomes the government's responsibility.

"Our appreciation for the services and sacrifices of the security personnel, including the veterans, has never wavered… the responsibility of protecting the country's sovereignty and peace belongs to every Malaysian,” he said.

-- BERNAMA