PN proposes urgent motion on EPF withdrawals

Perikatan Nasional (PN) MP Shahidan Kassim today proposed an urgent motion to debate the withdrawal of funds from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) in the Dewan Rakyat, saying many contributors were becoming increasingly desperate due to financial problems. 

The Arau MP said the withdrawals could be made through a targeted approach under Regulation 18 (1).

"Contributors are becoming increasingly desperate and the cost of goods and living is rising with each day. 

"Some have been forced to sell their belongings. It is the responsibility of MPs to make good on their promise to help the people. 

"So I feel that this issue should be expedited for discussion so that the unity government can take the same measures as during the administration of Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail Sabri Yaakob," he said in the Dewan Rakyat. 

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul however said that the motion would not be debated today, and asked Shahidan to propose the matter again after the budget presentation, scheduled for this Friday. 

Shahidan said the approval for targeted EPF withdrawals had become a priority for the people. 

He added that they knew their right to the money they had contributed to the EPF. 

"They need their money before the start of the next school session," he said, adding that the fasting month and Raya celebration were also around the corner. 

It was previously reported that some 320,000 contributors with savings of RM100,000 and above had urged the government to allow targeted withdrawals. 

The government said on Feb 10 that no further withdrawals would be allowed, to safeguard the retirement savings of EPF contributors.