PN repeats call for targeted EPF withdrawals

Perikatan Nasional (PN) has again urged the government to allow targeted withdrawals from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) through a suitable mechanism. 

Opposition leader and Larut MP Hamzah Zainudin said this was to ensure that only those who were truly eligible would be able to make withdrawals. 

"There are contributors who save in the EPF voluntarily… for example, before the pandemic, they had a successful business. They contributed (to EPF) and bought a house, but three years since the pandemic hit, their income differs compared to the time when they were contributing. 

"And now they are asking for withdrawals to be made because they have defaulted on their housing loans for six months and their homes are up for auction. If we do not help people like these, what is going to happen?

"Their homes are about to be auctioned and to purchase another asset in a year or two, I think, is very challenging. That is why I am urging the government to look for a mechanism for this purpose," he said when debating the Supply Bill 2023 at the policy level at the Dewan Rakyat today. 
 
Hamzah also asked the government to give more attention to the welfare of ex-servicemen whom he said risked their lives to defend the country's sovereignty, but only received a RM500 pension before salary adjustments were implemented in 2013.

"We can still include them as part of the workforce. Remuneration-wise, we do not have to follow the minimum wage, but perhaps based on a new model," he said.