BSH lightens burden of living costs, military veterans say

KUANTAN - Non-pensionable military veterans in Pahang welcome the announcement of the RM300 monthly Cost of Living Aid (BSH) starting from September next year as good news for them.

Pahang Non-Pensionable Military Veterans Association chairman Mohd Sani Ishak stated that the assistance brings relief and alleviates the burden of living expenses at present.

“The government is very caring and concerned about our fate as non-pensionable veterans or those who have completed their service before 21 years.

We have yet to know the specific criteria yet on the processes such as whether those eligible need to fill out forms to receive this financial incentive or how it will work,” he said when contacted by Sinar today.

On Monday, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali announced that the RM300 monthly BSH would be extended to non-pensionable veterans at the age of 60 starting from September next year.

He explained that this extension of BSH, effective from next September, would benefit around 41,970 non-pensionable veterans, with an additional financial implication of RM151.1 million per year.

Previously, the RM300 monthly BSH was only enjoyed by non-pensionable veterans at the age of 80.

A non-pensionable veteran, A Halim Hassan, 64, expressed gratitude for the assistance, which could help those who were also affected by the rising cost of living.

“We have not received any initiatives before, and I can say that this is the first time non-pensionable military veterans are benefiting from the government.

“So, thank you for the government’s concern for our welfare,” he said.

Mohd Zailani Md Atan, 63, also remarked that this incentive is a gesture of appreciation for those who dedicated their youth to the country, even if their service didn’t reach 21 years.

“For those of us who are non-pensionable, getting the RM300 assistance is okay. If you think about it, we’ve been striving for this allowance for a long time.

“We were also in the military and spent our youthful years serving the country. Alhamdulillah, the government has heard our grievances,” he said.