IPOH: Over 200,000 ex-servicemen nationwide are urged to register with the Ex-Servicemen Association of Malaysia (PBTM) before the Armed Forces Veterans Act is legislated to provide more benefits for the welfare of armed forces veterans.
PBTM president Datuk Muhammad Abdul Ghani said membership was disappointing with only 149,000 out of 458,000 veterans registered, while about 100,000 others had died.
“They should register with the PBTM because it is for their welfare and the good of their future,” he told reporters after opening the 23rd PBTM Perak Division delegates conference and launching a state-level Warriors’ Day Collection campaign here yesterday.
He said should armed forces veterans fail to register, they and their families will not be able to enjoy the various benefits and assurances offered by the government as provided under the new Act which includes increased aid in education, allowances and medical benefits.
Last July, Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad had said the bill is scheduled to be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat in October. — Bernama