The prime minister's wife, Rosmah Mansor has contributed RM515,000 to the Warriors' Day Fund, bringing the total raised to RM2.37 million.

Rosmah, who is also the campaign patron, said the contribution was proceeds from the sale of rockmelons at Seri Perdana managed by Iris Corporation Berhad.

"The funds raised will be used for welfare of veterans and their families and widows of veterans who died defending the country.

"I'm proud of the caring nature of Malaysians and corporations who provide aid to those in need. This practice should be nurtured and continued," she said when launching the campaign at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) last night.

Also present were Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, Deputy Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Bakri, Ex-Servicemen's Association president Admiral Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, Army Chief Gen Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor and Air Force Chief Gen Rodzali Daud.

Help the heroes

Rosmah, who has been the patron for four years, targeted a collection of RM5 million this year to help the heroes who defended the country's sovereignty.

This year's Warriors' Day celebration is different compared to previous years because of the bloody tragedy in Lahad Datu and Semporna, Sabah.

Contributors to the fund include the Armed Forces Fund Board (RM1 million), MTU Services (RM300,000), ATM Veterans Foundation (RM300,000), Affin Bank (RM155,000) and IFMF Technology (RM100,000).

The Warriors' Day Fund rasied RM5.9 million in 2011 and collected RM3.9 million in 2012.

- Bernama