KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 120,615 officers and personnel of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) as well as about 200,000 MAF veterans will be receiving the special Hari Raya Aidilfitri financial assistance as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the Cabinet meeting today confirmed the special financial aid for officers and personnel as well as MAF veterans registered with the Department of Veteran Affairs (JHEV).

       "MAF veterans who have yet to register with JHEV, should do so quickly to enjoy the special assistance.

       "The Defence Ministry believes the special assistance could help MAF personnel and veterans in the preparation for the Syawal 1 celebration,” he said in a statement Wednesday (April 6).

       Hishammuddin also expressed his appreciation and thanks to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz as well as the Cabinet for taking into consideration MAF personnel and veterans in the granting of the special financial aid as well as other earlier assistance.

       "This not only reflected the concern for the welfare of MAF personnel but also recognition of the services and sacrifices of MAF personnel and veterans to the country,” he said.

       Yesterday, the government agreed to give the special financial aid of RM500 to all civil servants Grade 56 and below including employees under contract of service, part-time officers as well as appointees under MySTEP and RM250 aid to government pensioners. - Bernama