KUALA LUMPUR (April 27): The Defence Ministry is currently proposing to make it compulsory for members of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to serve for 21 years, in order to qualify for pension.
Its minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the proposal would involve amendments to the Armed Forces Act 1972 on pension and gratuity regulations.
He said that currently, military personnel had the option to retire at 12, 15 or 18 years of service without obtaining a pension.
“Those who quit early don’t have a pension and start a new life for example by doing business…the thing we worry about is when they do not make it in their business.
“We propose to amend this act for all members to serve for 21 years, so that when they end their service, there will have an income (pension),” he said.
Ismail Sabri said this at a press conference after a get-together and breaking of fast with the ATM Veterans Association at Wisma Perwira ATM here today.
A total of 175 representatives from 73 ATM veterans associations nationwide attended the meeting and dialogue with Ismail Sabri, who is also Senior Minister (Security Cluster).
At the dialogue session, representatives voiced their concerns following the fact that many non-pensionable military personnel are now facing difficulties due to not having a pension.
Meanwhile, so far a total of RM12.745 million has been collected through the warriors’ fund.
