The Defence Ministry will announce the new pension scheme for Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans in the near future, said its minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said the new scheme was among the ministry's efforts to solve problems facing military veterans who are not on the pension scheme.

"But wait first... because we have to get the result and approval from the top leadership, the prime minister, in particular.

"We have already extended this to Najib Abdul Razak recently and his cheerful facial expression then was giving indication that he agrees with this proposal," he said.

He was speaking at the 'Jasamu Dikenang' ceremony after presenting medals to military veterans in Muar today.

Also present was Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Razali Ibrahim.

At the event, 114 military veterans who served during the communist insurgency which ended in 1989 were honoured as a way to appreciate and commemorate their sacrifices and excellent services.

- Bernama