The Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department sets aside RM8 million to build 40 new houses and repair 280 homes for veterans nationwide this year.
SEREMBAN: The Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV) has allocated RM8 million for housing assistance for veterans nationwide this year.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the funds cover the construction of 40 new residential units and repairs for 280 existing homes.
New houses will cost RM75,000 each in Peninsular Malaysia and RM85,000 each in Sabah and Sarawak, with repair works capped at about RM17,000 per unit.
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“The allocation this year is RM303.3 million for the JHEV, and of that amount, RM274.4 million or 90% will be disbursed directly for the welfare of the MAF veterans’ community,” he said.
Adly stated that price quotations will begin early this year, with construction and repair works targeted to start by March or April.
The housing initiative assists low-income veterans or their widows who lack proper housing but own suitable land.
As of last December, 32 applications for new builds and 316 for repairs were approved, involving RM7.24 million.
Three new units and 33 repaired houses were completed in Negeri Sembilan under last year’s programme.
The ministry has consistently increased housing aid allocations from RM4.86 million in 2021 to RM7.243 million last year.
Separately, Adly affirmed the ministry’s full cooperation with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on any investigations.
He said several initiatives will be implemented this year to strengthen integrity within the ministry’s management system.
Adly added that public confidence in the armed forces remains unaffected by recent issues.
“They not only sacrifice time and energy, but also their lives for the country,” he said.
He stressed that the government’s appreciation for the sacrifices of security personnel and veterans has never wavered. – Bernama
