Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has announced that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will begin disbursing payments for the RM10,000 special withdrawal starting from today (18 April 2022) – two days earlier than initially scheduled.

The minister stated that the decision came following many comments and messages that he received on his social media, requesting for an earlier disbursement of the special withdrawal.

“I have heard your voices. After discussing the matter with EPF, I am pleased to announce that the payments of the special withdrawal will be credited gradually starting from April 18 instead of April 20 as previously announced,” said Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul, adding that he hopes the early disbursement will provide relief for those who are in need, especially in light of the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations.

To note, the EPF has received 5.3 million applications for the special withdrawal facility as of 14 April at 8 pm, amounting to a disbursement of RM40.1 billion. The number of applications accounts for 44% of the 11.95 million members who are eligible for the withdrawal facility, according to the provident fund. 

“Breaking down by wage groups, this represented 55% of eligible B40 members, 59% of M40 members and 39% of T20 members,” said the EPF, adding that 29% of the applications also came from informal and inactive members. 

The EPF further said that the top three reasons given by applicants of the withdrawal facility are to supplement their reduced income, aid affected family members, and increase their sources of income. Other reasons include covering essential expenditures, meeting outstanding financial obligations, and building emergency funds. 

Announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in March, the special RM10,000 withdrawal facility is meant to assist EPF members who are still struggling financially as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is the fourth of such facilities provided by the EPF, with the first three being i-Lestari, i-Sinar, and i-Citra. 

Eligible EPF members under the age of 55 may still apply for the special withdrawal facility via the Pengeluaran Khas portal, up until 30 April 2022. 

(Sources: Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz (Facebook), The Star [1, 2])

• TAGS:
• Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz
• Employees Provident Fund
• EPF
• Finance Minister
• KWSP
• Pengeluaran Khas
• Special Withdrawal Facility