GOTONG-ROYONG SPIRIT REVIVED AS JHEV ROLLS OUT KAM PROJECT IN KG PARIT MAHANG

BATU PAHAT, Nov 29 (Bernama) - The Department of Veterans Affairs (JHEV) of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) has revived the spirit of gotong-royong to usher in the Kampung Angkat MADANI (KAM) programme with the village community.

JHEV Director-General Major-General Datuk Semaon Marjuki said the adoption of Kampung Parit Mahang as a KAM site is proof that the department has close links with the rural community, especially when many of its veterans live in the village after retirement.

He noted that an estimated 150 retired soldiers reside in the village, and the implementation of the KAM was to honour the military group for their service and dedication during their time in uniform.

“With the MADANI allocation of RM1 million, community projects touted by the ATM JHEV include upgrading of Surau Nur Al-Iman and Masjid As-Syakirin, building an open hall and upgrading the multipurpose court.

“Other initiatives are upgrading of the storage facility, replacement of the cemetery fence, acquiring ICT equipment and installation of air-conditioning at the community hall,” he said after the opening of the KAM Mini Carnival at Kampung Parit Mahang here today.

Also present at the carnival were the Batu Pahat Assistant District Officer, Puteri Ab Rahman and the village head of Kampung Parit Mahang and Parit Lapis Mahang, Kamarudin Kasim.

Commenting further, Semaon said gotong-royong activities were organised to revive the spirit of unity and cooperation among the community to ensure the KAM programme's success, such as cleaning the cemetery grounds, mosque and holding a cook-out for a communal feast.

He said other community activities held during the mini carnival were traditional village sports competitions for villagers and JHEV veterans.

"Villagers participated in futsal while wearing sarongs, netball in batik attire, volleyball and fishing for Puyu (Climbing Perch), as well as a fun run. For women, we have cooking contests, floral arrangement and handicraft classes.

"We also opened special counters for retirees and veterans to address matters related to pensions, welfare, career training and entrepreneurship programmes after retirement, as well as health screening," he said.

-- BERNAMA