JITRA, June 10 — The defence ministry has set up a laboratory for special discussions to identify the best holistic method to improve the welfare of non-pensionable military veterans.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the laboratory was being participated by stakeholders, including the ministry and the association of veterans.
“The cost of living is included in the ministry’s vision where we will help military veterans (non-pensionable)...we will figure out the best way to address their problems,” he told reporters after a Ramadan programme here today.
Also present were Defence Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharom, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah and Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor.
Hishammuddin said the findings of the laboratory, which were held six weeks ago and ended yesterday, would be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak next month.
To date, he noted there were more than 100,000 non-pensionable military veterans in the country.
Meanwhile, the defence minister said the ministry had also set up another special discussion laboratory to solve housing issues among the armed forces personnel.
The discussion would emphasis on efforts to provide adequate quarters and affordable houses for the personnel, he said.
“The concept of the houses is like the PR1MA (1Malaysia People’s Housing Programme) homes. We will discuss with the state governments and the industry,” added Hishammuddin. — Bernama
