KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV) has launched the Digital ATM Veteran Card as an initiative to provide veterans easy access to its services.
The card JHEV said will reduce reliance on physical cards, which may be lost or damaged.
It also said that the card will be displayed on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets through the Veteran Integrated Benefit System (Vibes 2.0) application.
"It will also enable more efficient management of veteran information where ultimately, the initiative brings hope and well-being to veterans, demonstrating that they remain an important part of the country's social and economic structure," the department said.
The digital card, launched at Wisma Perwira Angkatan Tentera Malaysia also saw the unveiling of the 'Tabung Pahlawan 2024/2025' by its patron, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, the ministry secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Navy chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnin and Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV) director-general Major General Datuk Semaon Marjuki.
Khaled earlier in his speech said to date, Tabung Pahlawan has assisted as many as 48,000 veterans, particularly in terms of welfare and medical support.
He said veterans have benefited in the likes cost of living aid, dialysis facilities, heart equipment, provision of prosthetic limbs or body parts, disaster relief aid, housing initiatives, funeral management assistance, and many others.
He said contributions from the fund have been systematically and effectively utilised to help alleviate their burdens and pressures.
Inspired by Britain's "Poppy Day", the Tabung Pahlawan (earlier known as Rayuan Hari Pahlawan) campaign was founded in 1950 by the Veterans Association of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
This year, JHEV aims to collect RM3 million for the welfare of the veterans.