In Malaysia, as in many parts of the world, the quest for financial security in retirement is a paramount concern for individuals of all ages. As the workforce evolves and economic landscapes shift, the need for robust retirement savings becomes increasingly evident. In this pursuit, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) stands tall as a beacon of financial security, offering Malaysians a reliable avenue for retirement savings.
As individuals, planning for retirement is a crucial step towards ensuring a comfortable future. The EPF provides a solid foundation for this endeavor, boasting compelling dividend rates and a range of benefits and offerings that make it an attractive option for long-term financial planning.
How can I grow my savings with EPF?
It is a common misconception that you can only contribute to or grow your EPF savings by earning a bigger paycheck. While earning more definitely helps, you can also boost your savings in EPF in other ways:
Voluntary Contribution
You can choose to increase your EPF savings voluntarily on top of your existing mandatory monthly deductions, with as little as RM10, up to a maximum of RM100,000 per year.
By starting your savings journey as early as possible, you can take advantage of the power of compounding, giving your savings more time to grow. So, that’s why you should start saving now to ensure comfort and financial stability during retirement.
Click here for more details on Voluntary Contribution
i-Saraan
Have you heard about i-Saraan? It’s tailored for members aged 60 and below who are self-employed or do not earn regular incomes. Through i-Saraan, you can voluntarily contribute to your EPF savings and receive a special incentive of 15% of the total contributions, up to a maximum of RM500 per year and RM5,000 throughout your lifetime. This option is particularly ideal for gig workers as there is no minimum contribution required, and members will receive annual dividends on their retirement savings along with incentives from the Government.
Benefits you can expect to receive as your money grows with EPF over time
Dividend Earnings
We offer annual dividend returns of approximately 3% to 4%, with the possibility of even higher returns. Additionally, the minimum dividend rate is 2.50% for Simpanan Konvensional. With these rates, your savings will be shielded from inflation and have steady growth over time.
Flexibility
EPF acknowledges members' diverse financial goals and beliefs, providing a choice between syariah-compliant (Simpanan Shariah) and conventional savings (Simpanan Konvensional). With Simpanan Shariah, income derives solely from EPF's Shariah-compliant investments, while Simpanan Konvensional includes a mix of both Shariah and non-Shariah compliant investments.
This flexibility enables members to align their investments with personal values and financial objectives, ensuring a tailored approach to wealth accumulation while upholding ethical and religious principles.
Click here to explore further details about Simpanan Shariah and Simpanan Konvensional
Tax Relief
Your savings in EPF are tax deductible up to a maximum amount of RM4,000 per year, subject to periodic amendments by the government (excluding exemptions for life insurance premium payments). In addition, dividend earnings from EPF investments are also tax-exempt.
What’s more, the EPF aims to support members in improving their financial literacy and understanding sustainable retirement options to enhance their retirement savings. Through the Relationship & Advisory Service (RA), which is provided at no cost to members, you can receive assistance in comprehending your financial goals, assessing current savings, and developing strategies for a secure retirement.
Ultimately, the EPF stands out as a reliable and advantageous option for individuals planning their retirement. By making EPF a core component of your retirement savings plan, you can harness its offerings to optimise your financial security in retirement. Start saving with EPF today and pave the way for a comfortable and worry-free retirement journey.