BKK 2025: Proof of governments appreciation civil servants, pensioners, veterans

PUTRAJAYA: The Special Financial Assistance (BKK) 2025, which will be disbursed starting today, serves as a testament to the government's appreciation for civil servants, retirees, pensioned veterans, and non-pensioned veterans--individuals who form the backbone of the nation's public service.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when presenting Budget 2025 on Oct 18 last year, announced that civil servants in Grade 56 and below, including those on contract appointments, will receive RM500, while retirees, pensioned veterans and non-pensioned veterans RM250.

Expressing gratitude to the government, Putrajaya Indian Civil Servants Association (Imaiyam) president Dr Thilagavathy Aramum, when contacted by Bernama, said that the BKK will greatly assist civil servants, particularly Muslims, in preparing for Ramadan, which begins next week.

"For non-Muslims, this assistance may help cover school expenses for their children and other essential needs," said Thilagavathy, an Inspectorate at the Ministry of Education.

Meanwhile, Imaiyam adviser, Dr Muralitharan Paramasua said the financial aid reflects the government's recognition of the dedication and hard work of civil servants in ensuring the smooth operation of public administration.

Dr Muralitharan, who is the Chief Executive of the Medical Devices Authority (MDA), emphasized that the financial assistance reflects the government's commitment to enhancing the well-being of civil servants.

Meanwhile, Noor Eszereen Juferi, a staff at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Corporate Strategy and Relations Centre, highlighted that the aid not only helps civil servants meet their personal needs but also positively impacts the national economy.

"This additional financial assistance can indirectly support the national economy by stimulating domestic trade, particularly in retail and service sectors. It increases purchasing power, enabling public sector employees to spend more on their families' needs," she said.

Such financial aid, she added, also helps alleviate financial pressures on public sector workers, especially those managing high commitments such as house rent, car loan instalments or children's education expenses.

Similarly, Major (Rtd) Abdul Rahman Teoh Abdullah, who served in the Royal Ranger Regiment from 1978 to 2001, expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the government's ongoing support for retired veterans.

"It is always a welcome gesture and we are thankful that the government continues to remember us," he said.

-- BERNAMA