Taxi driver walks 300km to give Agong memorandum on EPF withdrawals

A taxi driver has walked more than 300km from Skudai in Johor to Istana Negara in the capital city in an effort to urge the government to green-light targeted withdrawals from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). 

Noorazlan Ismail, who ended his journey this morning, was allowed to enter the palace gates at 11.15am today to submit a memorandum to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. 

The 48-year-old was accompanied by Tasek Gelugor MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan.

He said he had been encouraged by many people throughout his six-day journey. 

"Many offered assistance in the form of money and rides," he said. 

"But that was not my motive. If I wanted to arrive quickly, I would have taken a bus. 

"I want the leaders to see," he said in a press conference. 

Noorazlan added however that he never expected to be let into the palace to hand over his memorandum. 

He was unable to meet with the king but was given a gift, he said. 

"His Majesty knows that I am here." 

Noorazlan said he wished to use his EPF funds to pay off his debts. 

He is expected to be brought to Parliament this afternoon to meet with MPs. 

Calls have been made for the government to allow targeted EPF withdrawals, including by former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim however said it would be better to explore other options. 

He recently proposed that EPF savings be used as collateral for banks in applying for personal loans.

But Wan Saiful said that this would not resolve the issues faced by the people.