Kuala lumpur: The government has approved an additional allocation of RM2 million for this year's Warriors' Day celebration, recognizing the sacrifices and services of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans in defending the nation's sovereignty, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the additional funds have been allocated due to the effective management record, compared to the usual allocation of RM1 million to RM1.5 million disbursed annually. "The government usually gives RM1 million, and the highest is RM1.5 million, for Warriors' Day. So, for this year, due to its good management record, I have asked the Finance Ministry, in conjunction with the Warriors' Day, to give an additional RM2 million," Anwar stated during the Semarak Kenegaraan programme at the Army Basic Training Centre (PUSASDA).
Present at the event were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief of Defence Forces General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman, and Army Chief General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman. Warriors' Day, observed annually on July 31, commemorates the struggle and sacrifices of national security personnel for the prosperity and sovereignty of the country and has been organized on a rotating basis between the MAF and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) since 1968.
Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, emphasized that the welfare of veterans and military personnel is a government priority, reflecting their crucial contributions as pillars of the country's stability and peace. To safeguard the welfare of MAF personnel, the Prime Minister confirmed that an existing budget allocation of RM844 million has been sanctioned for housing services this year, aimed at repairing and developing Armed Forces Family Housing (RKAT).
This initiative includes new housing projects and infrastructure repairs at military camps, featuring projects such as 1,300 new housing units at the Syed Sirajuddin Camp in Gemas, Negeri Sembilan. Additionally, Anwar reported that the government is providing a school maintenance allocation totaling RM3 million for schools in Negeri Sembilan, including Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungala and Sekolah Kebangsaan Si-Rusa, Port Dickson, to enhance the learning environment for children of military personnel.
Beyond housing provisions, Anwar stressed the government's commitment to bolstering the country's defense capabilities through transparent asset acquisition, alongside improving amenities and facilities for MAF personnel across the nation.