KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s decision to continue with the Special Appreciation for Retirees (PKKP) aid is proof of the government’s concern for the welfare of retirees and their services to the country.
Malaysian Government Pensioners Association deputy president Datuk Mohd Rashidi Mohd Nor said many of its members are grateful for the decision as it helps ease their cost of living burden somewhat.
“With the current high cost of living, many pensioners face difficulties making ends meet, and the government’s move to continue giving this (PKKP) assistance is welcomed,” he told Bernama yesterday.
At the same time, he also hopes that the government can finalise the decision to implement pension adjustments in line with the implementation of salary reviews for civil service officers according to Act 1980.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government, through a decision made by the Cabinet on Dec 20, agreed to continue giving PKKP assistance to pensioners and derivative pension recipients to ensure the welfare of this group is well taken care of.
In PUTRAJAYA, Communications Ministry pensioner Nor Fadilah Othman described the government’s continued PKKP provision as the right move as it helps ease the cost of living burden of retirees.
The former assistant publications officer said pensioners also had unexpected commitments or expenses to be settled although they have finished serving in the public sector.
In TERENGGANU, 63-year-old Zikri Mamat said the decision proved that the Madani government did not forget pensioners like him, who served a long time in the civil service.
The Terengganu State Agri-culture Department pensioner, who worked in public service for 39 years, said the announcement made him feel appreciated, besides easing his burden in facing the rising prices of goods and cost of living.
In JOHOR, retired teacher Minati Hamir, 70, described the decision as “meaningful” in easing the burden of pensioners when it comes to purchasing daily necessities, especially medicines and hospital treatment.
In SABAH, pensioner Norijah Ismail, 61, of Kampung Indai, Tuaran, also thanked the government for continuing with the PKKP assistance, thus ensuring that they are not marginalised.
“We didn’t earn big salaries, so this PKKP is very meaningful.”
