Government prioritises housing, education and welfare for Armed Forces personnel to enable focus on defence
TAMPIN: The government is prioritising housing, education and welfare for Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel to enable them to focus fully on defending the nation, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
He said ensuring the well-being of service personnel and their families remained a key government responsibility, with initiatives including the construction of 1,300 Military Family Housing (RKAT) units at Kem Syed Sirajuddin in Gemas and improved educational support for their children.
“Concern for housing, education and the welfare of all Armed Forces personnel must be prioritised by the government,” he said when officiating the Southern Zone ATM Family Day Carnival, which was also attended by the Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman at Kem Syed Sirajuddin here.
Ahmad Zahid said the government was equally committed to improving educational facilities for military families, including providing safer and more suitable transport for children travelling to school.
“When their children receive a good education and their families’ welfare is protected, members of the Armed Forces will be able to carry out their responsibility of defending the nation with greater peace of mind,” he said.
He said the sacrifices of ATM personnel deserved continued recognition as they had not only defended the nation’s sovereignty during times of conflict but also safeguarded Malaysia’s peace and security.
Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the welfare of serving and retired military personnel remained a government priority in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the country’s stability and security.
Anwar said RM844 million had been allocated under this year’s housing services budget to upgrade and develop Military Family Housing nationwide.
He added that the allocation covered new housing projects and infrastructure upgrades at military camps, including the construction of 1,300 new RKAT units at Kem Syed Sirajuddin in Gemas.
