{"id":388986,"date":"2026-04-09T01:13:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T01:13:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/388986\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T01:13:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T01:13:36","slug":"voluntary-contributions-surged-40-to-rm19-2-billion-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/388986\/","title":{"rendered":"Voluntary Contributions Surged 40% To RM19.2 Billion In 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CoverCover image via New Straits Times<\/a> & Harian Metro<\/a><\/p>\n

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Voluntary contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) rose by 40.2% to RM19.2 billion in 2025, reflecting growing awareness among Malaysians about the importance of retirement savings<\/p>\n

According to the New Straits Times<\/a>, EPF chief executive officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn said the increase was largely driven by the i-Saraan programme, which encourages self-employed individuals and those without fixed incomes \u2014 including gig workers, freelancers, and small business owners \u2014 to save for retirement.<\/p>\n

The number of i-Saraan contributors grew by 35.9% to more than 720,000 members, while total contributions under the programme increased by 50.8% to RM4 billion.<\/p>\n

\"SAYS.com\"<\/p>\n

EPF chief executive officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn.<\/p>\n

Image via Harian Metro<\/a><\/p>\n

Ahmad Zulqarnain said there was also a 26% increase among formal sector workers choosing to contribute above the statutory rate through the i-Topup facility<\/p>\n

He said EPF’s i-Akaun mobile app has made it easier for members to make additional contributions, while the Auto Simpan feature allows for automatic monthly savings.<\/p>\n

“EPF expects this upward trend to continue as more members take a proactive approach to retirement planning, supported by digital facilities that make voluntary contributions more convenient,” he said.<\/p>\n

He added that the rise in voluntary contributions reflects stronger trust in EPF and greater awareness about retirement adequacy<\/p>\n

He said the Malaysia Financial Literacy and Capability Index showed improvement in long-term financial planning, particularly for retirement, rising from 54.1% in 2021 to 63.9% in 2024.<\/p>\n

“More members are actively planning their retirement and making voluntary contributions.<\/p>\n

“EPF supports this through outreach programmes targeting students, gig workers, small traders, and low-income groups, as well as free financial advisory services provided by EPF Relationship Advisors,” he added.<\/p>\n

He assured that EPF will continue to strengthen its financial literacy initiatives to help members achieve a comfortable retirement and build long-term financial resilience amid rising economic pressures.<\/p>\n