KUALA LUMPUR: The Warriors Fund, an initiative by the Malaysian Armed Forces Veteran’s Association (PVATM) to aid former soldiers, has managed to collect RM2.6 million to date.

Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharom expressed hope that the donation would eventually reach RM5 million by the end of the year.

“This fund will be used to help veterans, especially those who have become disabled.

Some don’t even have any family members.

“This shows that veterans need our help after all of the sacrifice made by them in ensuring the safety of our country.

“We (the government) are also helping them through many initiatives, for example, we spent RM7 million last year on medication.

“But (ultimately), this fund is for all Malaysians to show their appreciation to soldiers who had sacrificed their lives and time for us,” he said to the media when met at the Warriors Challenge 2016 held at the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), at Sungai Besi today.

The Warriors Challenge 2016 is aimed at raising awareness of the Warriors Fund, wherein 100 per cent of the entrance fee from each participant will be contributed to the fund.

The challenge was launched by Warrior’s Fund Chairman, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, on July 31.

A total of 500 participants, consisting of Malaysians and foreign nationals, took part in the event which began this morning.-nst