Special EPF withdrawal: Wise move to help contributors - UMNO delegates

Describing the decision as a wise move, the delegates were of the view that the withdrawal will be extremely helpful for the survival of contributors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bagan Serai Wanita UMNO division chief Zarina Abdul Majid said the announcement proved Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's concern over the grievances and plight of the people.

"The prime minister always listens to the pulse of the people and the announcement of the special EPF withdrawal of RM10,000 is indeed a much-awaited move.

"Thank you for listening to the grievances of the people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent floods," she said during the debate session on the policy speech of Wanita UMNO chief, here today.

The Prime Minister in a special press conference yesterday announced that the government had decided to allow EPF contributors to make a special withdrawal of RM10,000 to ease the burden of Keluarga Malaysia who are still impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ismail Sabri said although it was a difficult decision to make, the government had to take this middle-of-the-road approach to strike a balance between contributors' current pressing needs and their savings for the future.

Pahang Puteri UMNO vice-chief Salmiah Ab Rahman when debating the policy speech by the wing chief, said the move would help ease the contributors' financial burdens, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan.

"Thank you Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri for always listening to the needs of the people. Puteri Pahang really appreciates this concern," she said.

Echoing the same sentiment, Kota Melaka Puteri UMNO Division chief Nur Farhana Abdul Ghani described the announcement as a gift from the Prime Minister for the party's victory in the recent Johor State Election.

Kedah UMNO Youth secretary Hayazi Azizan in a press conference after debating the Youth chief's policy speech said although the announcement had provided relief to many parties, he advised the contributors to spend the money prudently.

Meanwhile, Selangor UMNO Youth secretary Datuk Noorazley Yahya said the government needed to consider coming out with measures to look after the welfare of contributors, especially those with low income.

"For example, the government can introduce incentives for voluntary contributions, to encourage contributors to replenish their savings once they are financially stable," he said.

Applications for the special RM10,000 withdrawal facility is open to members below 55 starting April 1. The application deadline is April 30 while payment starts on April 20