KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry (Mindef) is committed to caring for the welfare of former armed forces members, ensuring that no veteran is left behind, irrespective of their service.
A total of 18,786 veterans, both pensioners and non-pensioners, are receiving the Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) assistance of RM300 per month, amounting to RM67.6 million.
Those with illnesses are also receiving assistance for medical treatment and purchase of healthcare equipment.
During a Peduli Veteran programme by the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV), some officials of the department visited ex-servicemen Lim Kim Yoo and Subramaniam Muthusamy.
Lim, 77, who served 12 years in the Royal Malaysian Navy, was bedridden after becoming a victim of a hit-and-run this year near his home in Taman Daya, Kepong, here.
His wife, Lian Hua, 70, said her husband had just finished a catch-up session over breakfast with his retired army friends at a restaurant when the incident occurred.
Recalling the ordeal, the mother-of-four said the family was unaware of Lim's condition until police arrived at their house.
"A vehicle hit him when he was walking towards his car at a roadside. However, the perpetrator did not stop to check on his condition.
"My husband was paralysed after the accident and I have been caring for him ever since.
"Now, he cannot eat solid food and must rely on milk that is fed through a feeding tube," she told the New Straits Times and visiting Mindef officers.
Lim was not entitled to a pension as he served slightly more than 10 years only in the armed forces. He had to resign early to care for his wife in the 1970s, when she was pregnant with their third child.
JHEV director Commander Azahar Ngah Ahmad, who was listening to her story, said Lim was still eligible for other forms of assistance.
"One of them is that we can provide a new bed with multiple functions to assist Lim, as well as adult diapers and milk.
"The family can apply to the department with adequate information, including a doctor's letter on which type of milk that is suitable for him.
"He is also receiving the Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH), which is a monthly aid of RM300."
He also urged all veterans to register into any association under Mindef to facilitate the distribution of aid for them.
Meanwhile, Subramaniam, 87, was eager to show off his medals and pictures when old friends and JHEV officers dropped by his home.
He was also a part of the group that went on a peacekeeping mission to Congo in 1960.
His eldest son, Mohan Subramaniam, said his father had always been proud to share his stories with visitors.
"He also fought the communists in Raub, Pahang, and was chosen to hold the Cokmar during the coronation of the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 1957.
"I like to thank the Defence Ministry and JHEV director for visiting my father and assisting all veterans, who once served the country and kept the people safe," he said.