JOHOR BARU: A formula is being worked out for armed forces personnel who have served less than 21 years to enjoy pension and medical benefits after their retirement.
Currently, only those who have served at least 21 years are eligible for the pension scheme or any other benefits.
Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (AFVAD) director-general Maj-Gen Datuk Zulkiflee Mazlan said armed forces personnel put their lives and limbs at risk for the country.
"It does not matter whether they worked for 19 years or 20 years, as long as they have rendered service, they should get some kind of benefits.
"If they cannot get the full benefits, then a formula has to be drawn up for them to receive pension in accordance with the years they had served," he said, adding that those who served for at least 10 years should be considered for the pension scheme and medical perks.
The pension scheme is one of the proposals to be included in the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Bill, expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year.
Zulkiflee was speaking to reporters after meeting 200 former staff and widows of former personnel at a dialogue session here on Saturday.
The dialogue session was to obtain feedback by the AFVAD prior to the submission of the draft of the Veterans Bill to the cabinet.
Among the proposals is one calling on the government to bear the cost of items such as adult diapers.
"The standard of living is getting higher and senior citizens do need medical care, so the government should consider such things," added Zulkiflee.
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