Kuching: The Sarawak branch of the Royal Malaysian Navy Veterans Association (PVTLDM) has expressed relief and gratitude over the federal government's decision to allocate a Special Financial Assistance (BKK) of RM250 to all military veterans under Budget 2026. Its deputy president, Hussain Abdul Rani, said the financial aid means a great deal to more than 200 Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) veterans in the state, helping them cover expenses, especially for Muslims in preparation for next year's Aidilfitri celebration.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the aid clearly reflected the government's concern and commitment to the welfare of all military veterans, including RMN veterans in Sarawak. 'For us, this assistance is a form of recognition and appreciation from the government for the contributions and sacrifices of military veterans in safeguarding the nation's security and sovereignty throughout their service,' Hussain said. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the financial aid and urged recipients to spend the money wisely to ensure that the government's objectives are achieved. These remarks came after a meeting between Sarawak PVTLDM and Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew.
The meeting focused on the welfare of RMN veterans in Sarawak and the future direction of the association. During the meeting, Lau announced an allocation of RM2,000 from the federal government's Minor Rural Project fund to Sarawak PVTLDM to help finance the association's activities.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, when tabling Budget 2026 in Parliament on Oct 10, announced a RM500 BKK for civil servants from Grade 56 and below, including contract appointees. A BKK of RM250 will also be given to retirees, including both pensioned and non-pensioned veterans, with payments to be disbursed in early March.
Meanwhile, Hussain mentioned a special milestone for Sarawak PVTLDM this year, as they were invited to attend the Malaysian Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2025, organised by the Malaysian Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association at the National Monument in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 21. He also noted that the association will be honoured again on Nov 15 when it is invited by the Penang Veterans to attend the annual ceremony commemorating fallen soldiers in the state.