PETALING JAYA: Non-pensionable Armed Forces veterans in the B40 category are set to receive Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) of RM400 a month, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said the ministry had forwarded a proposal on the cost of living allowance to the Finance Ministry to approve the new rate.

Currently, veterans in the B40 category receive RM300 in BSH monthly.

Hishammuddin also said the ministry had completed the study on commemorative allowance for the recipients of Pingat Jasa Malaysia.

“The ministry is hopeful that the matter will receive consideration and approval from the Finance Ministry.

“I will announce the progress and results of this effort from time to time,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Hishammuddin also announced several initiatives to improve the welfare of Armed Forces veterans which include improvements in pensions and the formation of an advisory panel to consider the application of ex-servicemen to be recognised as armed forces veterans.

He urged veterans who have not registered with the Veterans Affairs Department to do so immediately so that every initiative and assistance offered by the department could be fully utilised.