Government to establish Veterans’ Day for MAF veterans

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said a specific date for the celebration will be proposed to the Cabinet soon for the government’s approval. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 24 Oct 2026 2:39 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — The government plans to establish Veterans’ Day to honour the service and sacrifice of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said a specific date for the celebration will be proposed to the Cabinet soon for the government’s approval.

“It will serve as a recognition, a formal acknowledgement that we honour veterans.

“It will also certainly foster closer ties and greater public appreciation for MAF veterans in our country,” he said at the opening ceremony of the 100th National General Assembly of the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) here today.

Also present were Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman, Army Chief General Tan Sri Azhan Md Othman and PVATM president Datuk Sharuddin Omar.

In other developments, Mohamed Khaled said companies awarded major government contracts must provide job opportunities for MAF veterans to ensure they continue to have a place in the economy after completing their service.

He said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) will monitor the implementation of the initiative to ensure veterans also benefit from these job opportunities.

On Tabung Pahlawan (Warriors’ Fund), he said collections have risen every year, reflecting public appreciation for the contribution of armed forces veterans to safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.

He said collections increased from RM1.3 million in 2023-2024 to RM2.19 million in 2024-2025 and RM3.35 million in 2025-2026.

He added that collections for 2026-2027 have so far reached RM4.35 million, against a target of RM5 million. — Bernama