KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- A total of 413 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans were awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) in a ceremony held at Dewan Perdana Felda here today.
In a statement today, the Ministry of Defence said the medals, presented by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin to veterans, as well as widows and representatives, were in recognition of their contributions in safeguarding the nation’s security and sovereignty.
“It is also to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes and to reflect on the history of their struggles, which should serve as a meaningful lesson to ensure a safe and prosperous future for the country,” it said.
Present were Air Force chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris and Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV MAF) director-general, Major General Datuk Semaon Marjuki.
According to the statement, to strengthen the MAF veterans’ welfare agenda, the government has allocated RM303.3 million to JHEV MAF this year, an increase of 3.16 per cent compared with RM294 million in 2025.
“Of the total, RM274.4 million, or nearly 90 per cent, is channelled specifically for the veterans’ welfare agenda,” the ministry said.
In line with Budget 2026 announcement, the government has agreed to provide a one-off special PJM appreciation payment of RM500 to all PJM recipients nationwide.
“A one-off special financial assistance of RM250 will also be distributed by JHEV MAF to all MAF veterans, as announced by the Prime Minister in Budget 2026 speech, bringing the total assistance for PJM holders to RM750,” it said.
The initiative is in line with the ministry’s agenda to enhance the well-being and welfare of MAF veterans, ensuring that their interests, and those of their families, continue to be safeguarded without anyone being left behind or marginalised.
The Defence Ministry remains attentive to matters concerning MAF veterans, with veterans’ welfare forming one of the key pillars of the Veterans Welfare Agenda under the National Defence Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
-- BERNAMA
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