For many Malaysians, their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings are a crucial safety net for retirement, meant to provide financial stability when they are no longer working.
However, the debate over whether contributors should be allowed to withdraw their savings early continues to be a hot topic.
While some argue that flexibility is necessary for those facing financial hardships, the government remains firm on protecting these funds for the future.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made it clear that allowing easy access to EPF savings now could have serious consequences down the road.
He pointed out that while contributors benefit from high dividend returns, many—especially within the Malay community—have dangerously low savings, reported NST.
“If we open up withdrawals, it will create serious problems when they retire,” he said during the Prime Minister’s Question Time in Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to Nurul Amin Hamid (PN-Padang Terap), who asked if the government would consider targeted EPF withdrawals for contributors who have stopped working or lost their jobs.
While Anwar acknowledged that financial struggles are real, he stressed that the government must strike a balance between immediate relief and long-term security.
“At the same time, we must ensure people are not left without funds in retirement,” he said.
That said, EPF does consider urgent cases. Anwar assured that those facing exceptional circumstances could appeal for assistance, as the agency reviews cases on an individual basis.
“If Padang Terap (Nurul Amin) has any specific cases to highlight, EPF can review them case by case, as they have done in urgent situations,” he added.
