Zaki, said he was grateful to have survived the mine, which was set off while he was in an operation against communist insurgents in Gubir, Kedah, on April 8, 1975.

His ankle was amputated as a result. Zaki said he had only served two years in the 13th Infantry at the time. “I was on my way back to base camp but I could never forget the misery when seeing other friends killed.

“It is hoped that today’s generation will appreciate our sacrifice in the name of freedom from the communist threat because achieving independence was not an easy task,” he said.

Zaki, who has eight children, said he hoped the government could increase the pension payments to retired military veterans. “The cost of living is rising, and our circumstances make it difficult for us to make a living. I can hardly lift a coconut and I still have to bear the cost of sending three of my children to school.”

Zaki retired as a Lance Corporal in the Royal Malay Regiment in 1996.

Another veteran who received a certificate of honour and contribution at the same ceremony was Musa Khamis, 91. He was honoured for his bravery of killing 12 communist terrorists while serving with the Royal Malaysia Police.

Musa, who retired as a Special Constable in the 1980s, said the clashes with communist terrorists which he described as too cruel in the jungles of Sungai Siput, Perak in 1952 were still fresh in his memory.

“It is not easy to achieve independence. The effect of the bullet on my right shoulder is evidence of the crime of the communist terrorists,” he said.

The father of 18, who last served at the Siput Police Station, was also awarded the Queen Elizabeth Gallantry Medal in 1953 in London.

At the ceremony, 14 soldiers and former policemen received a certificate of honour from Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu for their contributions to the country.