The government has no rights to stop those want to withdraw their EPF funds
MOHD FAIZUL HAIKA MOHD KHAZI22 Jan 2023 08:11am
Photo for illustrative purposes. - Photo by Sinar /Mohd Halim Abdul Wahid. Smaller Image, Nik Muhammad (left), Azizi (right).
Gua Musang (Bersatu) MP Datuk Mohd Azizi Abu Naim said during Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) reign in Putrajaya Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassi who was the former Prime Minister had approved the withdrawal of EPF contributions to ensure that people could survive during the pandemic.
However, Azizi said when Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim became the 10th prime minister the government delayed it on the basis that some of the contributors had savings that were below RM10,000.
“To me if someone has sufficient savings for their retirement the government should not stop them from withdrawing as it is ultimately their money
“If their savings were over the numbers set, the government must allow them to withdraw their money especially those with a second EPF account for other uses,” he said when contacted by Sinar Premium.
Azizi said the government should allow the EPF contributors to withdraw from their second account to make student loan payments, deposits for a home, health insurance and clearing up installments for a house loan.
He said he agreed with the suggestion for the government to allow individuals to withdraw a portion of their second EPF account with strict terms including having sufficient savings for their old age.
Meanwhile Pasir Puteh (Pas) MP Datuk Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh asked for the government to create a special fund for those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to provide aid for them without them having to dip into their EPF funds.
Nik who is also the Pas Syura Ulama Council Secretary said the action was needed following the government’s decision not to allow contributors to withdraw EPF funds with the reason of it compromising their future.
The former deputy agriculture and food industry minister described the government’s decision as having its own rationale, as there were those who withdrew their EPF money for frivolous reasons.
“However, when the government doesn’t allow the withdrawal of EPF, they must counter it by creating a fund or a special aid for the people who are truly struggling and are in desperate need of immediate money to begin their employment or a new business or to build back their businesses and companies.
“The government must set conditions and strict rules for individuals who will use the financial aid given to them through proper channels,” he said.
