KUALA LUMPUR: The government's decision to continue giving Special Appreciation for Retirees (PKKP) is proof of the government's concern towards the welfare of retirees for their services to the country.
Malaysian Government Pensioners Association deputy president Datuk Mohd Rashidi Mohd Nor said many of its members were grateful for the decision as it somewhat helped ease their cost of living burden.
"With the current high costs of living, many pensioners face difficulties making ends meet and the government's move to continue giving this (PKK) assistance is welcomed," he told Bernama when contacted today.
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.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government, through a decision made by the cabinet on Friday agreed to continue giving PKKP assistance to pensioners and derivative pension recipients to ensure the welfare of this group is well taken care of.
Meanwhile, 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.
"I agree with the prime minister's decision to continue the PKKP assistance because after retiring, pensioners may still face various problems. This will surely require high expenses and, with the continued PKKP assistance, it will somewhat be of help to them," she said.
In Terengganu, 63-year-old Zikri Mamat said the decision proved that the government never forgot about pensioners like him, who have served a long time in the civil service.
The Terengganu State Agriculture Department pensioner, who had worked in the 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.
"I am extremely grateful for the announcement, especially for those of us in the lower grade who receive less than RM2,000 in pension. Extremely helpful for me to continue my life with my wife," he said.
In Johor, retired teacher Minati Hamir, 70, described the decision as "meaningful" towards easing the burden of pensioners when it comes to purchasing daily necessities, especially medicines and hospital treatment.
"It can also be used for other purposes, like giving donations and for savings when needed in the future. I hope such initiatives will be continued for the benefit of more pensioners in terms of improving their quality of life and well-being," she said.
In Sabah, government pensioner Norijah Ismail, 61, of Kampung Indai, Tuaran, also thanked the government for continuing with the PKKP assistance, thus ensuring that they were not marginalised.
"We didn't earn big salaries, so this PKKP is very meaningful. This is also proof of the government's concern for the welfare of pensioners," said Norijah, who worked in the civil service for 36 years. – BERNAMA