
EPF mulling two-tier account system to support post-retirement income, says deputy finance minister
Published on: Sat, Aug 02, 2025
By: Malay Mail Text Size: The EPF's proposed two-tier structure — separating savings into flexible and income accounts — aims to provide members with a more stable post-retirement income. — Picture by Choo Choy May Kuala Lumpur: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is proposing a two-tier restructuring of members' retirement savings to provide a more stable and sustainable income stream after retirement, Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said today. In a Facebook post, she said the proposed new structure will split future EPF contributions into two components — a Flexible Savings account, which members can withdraw at any time, and an Income Savings account, which will be disbursed periodically until depleted. 'This is a key step towards ensuring members have a structured and reliable income during retirement,' she said. Lim stressed that the proposed changes will not affect the existing withdrawal rights of current EPF members. The new structure will apply only to new members after the implementation date, while existing members may choose to opt in voluntarily. She added that the proposal is still in its early stages and that the government is committed to gathering public feedback before proceeding. 'The Madani government will continue to listen to the people and conduct thorough engagement sessions before any implementation. The aim is clear — to help Malaysians manage their retirement savings in a more structured, fair and sustainable way,' she said. The proposed reform is part of the government's broader push to improve long-term financial security for retirees, amid concerns about premature withdrawals and the adequacy of savings in later years. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

The Star
38 minutes ago
- The Star
Proposals on unexplained wealth, monthly pensions to be studied, says Amir Hamzah
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. KUALA LUMPUR: The government is not yet ready to implement the Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO), despite having received proposals for its introduction, says Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. The Finance Minister II said the government would first study related issues before any implementation. "We will look at good ideas before execution, and I have received suggestions to explore. We will study the matter first and understand the issues involved because we do not want unintended consequences,' he said. He told reporters this after officiating the 2025 National Tax Conference here on Tuesday (Aug 5). Previously, former Klang MP Charles Santiago was reported as saying that Malaysia needed the UWO to hold all elites accountable for the source of their wealth. Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah said the government would also examine efforts to introduce monthly pension payments as part of the initiative to improve the national remuneration system. He said a thorough study must be carried out to refine more practical implementation methods. "The issue we see now is that when someone gains full access (to their retirement funds), many tend to spend the money quickly. So, when they reach old age, they don't have sufficient savings. "I believe in the study, we will look at various more practical implementation methods. As previously explained, this initiative is for those newly entering the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) scheme, not for those already in the system,' he said. According to the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) document issued by the Economy Ministry on July 31, the government will explore a new mechanism to ensure continuous post-retirement income by splitting EPF contributions into two main components, namely retirement savings and monthly pensions.- Bernama


New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Socso, Pepper Labs team up to train youth in AI, digital skills
KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has partnered with local social enterprise Pepper Labs under the Google Gemilang initiative to tackle youth unemployment and boost digital inclusion. The collaboration is part of Pepper Labs' ongoing efforts to drive impact and nation-building through technology and partnerships. Pepper Labs has helped over 300,000 Malaysians build artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills, and is now working with the public sector to bring AI into government services. Through this programme, unemployed Malaysian youth receive fully sponsored scholarships for globally recognised certifications in high-demand fields like AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, project management, and digital marketing. Socso identifies candidates via its MYFutureJobs platform and career fairs, while Pepper Labs leads implementation, offering full support including technical training, soft skills, and job placement to prepare graduates for meaningful employment. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the ministry is committed to empowering our youth with skills that match the demands of tomorrow's economy. "Through this partnership between Socso and Pepper Labs, we are ensuring that unemployed graduates are not left behind in the digital transition. "This initiative is a testament to our belief in the potential of our young talent and our resolve to uplift them with meaningful, globally recognised opportunities," he said in statement. Google Malaysia director Farhan Qureshi said the partnership reflects the commitment of Google to playing a vital role to ensure the growth of the country's digital ecosystem, advancing Malaysia together. He noted that the certification programme will provide new opportunities, allowing unemployment graduates to find new opportunities. Pepper Labs was most recently recognised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim under Budget 2025, with a national commitment to establish community cloud kitchens across underserved communities, further expanding its role in inclusive job creation and local enterprise development.


Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Borneo Post
Chong: Make EPF pension proposal optional, not mandatory
Chong (standing) participates in the debate on the 13MP. KUCHING (Aug 5): The federal government's proposal to split Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions into two components—retirement savings and retirement pension—should not be made mandatory, said Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen. In a statement today, the DAP Sarawak chairman said EPF contributors must be given the choice to either withdraw the full amount of their savings or opt for monthly pension payments upon retirement. 'EPF savings belong to the contributors. It is our money, and we should decide how we use it,' he said, following his debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in Parliament. Chong said both he and his colleagues in Parliament, along with many members of the public, are of the view that the proposal should not be implemented on a compulsory basis. It had been previously reported that the proposal forms part of the government's initiatives under the 13MP. EPF had said the proposal was still under review. In the interim, the EPF has confirmed that existing rules and withdrawal mechanisms remain unchanged. The EPF had also said that any decision regarding the introduction of a monthly pension-style payout scheme would be made only after consultations with key stakeholders and evaluation of the long-term implications. On other issues, Chong called on the authorities to provide updates on several high-profile criminal cases in Sarawak, including a massive diesel smuggling syndicate, a money laundering probe involving a state television chief executive officer, and the proliferation of online gambling outlets disguised as legitimate businesses. He pointed out that in August last year, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested five individuals in Sibu suspected of being involved in a diesel smuggling syndicate, which allegedly paid bribes to enforcement personnel. During the operation, MACC seized 1.6 million litres of diesel, RM3.7 million in cash, and froze RM36 million in bank accounts. The commission's chief commissioner was reported as saying the syndicate had been active since 2012, raking in an estimated RM400 million in profits by selling subsidised diesel meant for fishermen to outsiders at marked-up prices. He also sought clarification on the status of a case in January this year, where police arrested the CEO of a TV station on suspicion of money laundering. He said the Inspector-General of Police at the time confirmed the investigation and arrest by Bukit Aman's Anti-Money Laundering Criminal Investigation Team (AMLA). On a separate matter, he expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of online gambling outlets in Sarawak's urban centres, which are often disguised as coffee shops or convenience stores. He urged the authorities to take firm action to curb the proliferation of such outlets. Chong Chieng Jen Employees Provident Fund lead pension