Budget 2023: M'sian Ex-Police Association hopes all recipients of PJPN given RM500 allowance

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Ex-Police Association (PBPM) hopes that its recommendation for all recipients of the National Hero Service Medal or 'Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara' (PJPN) among retired Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) personnel to be given a living allowance of RM500 per month, is included in Budget 2023.

PBPM president Mokhtar Omar said an allowance of RM300 a month was also hoped to be given to wives looking after ailing retired policemen as well as to husbands taking care of their ailing wives who had retired from the force.

"It is also high time the government looked into the issue of streamlining the pension because the difference between pensions in the past and today is very significant.

"The government needs to look at all these matters more seriously as recognition of the services and sacrifices of former police personnel who are national heroes, allowing people to live in peace," he said.

In the meantime, Mokhtar also suggested that a 25 per cent discount be given to former members of the PDRM for the purchase of their first house as well as giving special funds in the form of annual grants for the purpose of implementing activities and looking after the welfare of members.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (MCDF) hopes that the government will increase the number of staff and volunteer service allowances in addition to providing land for the construction of the agency's administrative and operational buildings to improve the effectiveness and quality of its service delivery.

According to an MCDF spokesperson, the annual allocation for the management and development for the agency also needs to be increased to enable more training and public awareness programmes to be implemented.

"As of now, MCDF has six offices of its own, but as an agency responsible for the disaster management secretariat at the state and district levels, it is hoped that (MCDF in) all states will be able to have their own buildings and get special allocations through the Budget this time.

"It is also appropriate for a new Civil Defence Service scheme to be established based on the needs and roles of civil servants," he said.

-- BERNAMA