EPF withdrawal cannot be the only way to resolve financial woes, says Umno youth

SHAH ALAM - Umno Youth chief Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has called on the government to take a holistic approach to tackle economic issues faced by the rakyat, as cost of living and prices of food surges.

He said appropriate government intervention is needed and bureaucracy needs to be addressed immediately to pinpoint the right aid needed, including subsidies.

In April, Putrajaya had allowed a one-off withdrawal of RM10,000 from the Employees Provident Fund(EPF) but Asyraf said such a move should not be encouraged again as "EPF withdrawals cannot be used as the only way to resolve economic issues”.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said research on the country’s Covid-19 recovery phase shows people who have been affected economically due to Covid-19 need assistance.

However, Ismail Sabri reminded the EPF contributors to be cautious with their old age savings.

“I hope contributors will weigh in on the necessary considerations before making the withdrawals for their future,” he said.