Contributing to children’s EPF accounts seen as way to nurture financial discipline and long-term responsibility from early age: Parents
PETALING JAYA: As awareness grows about the option for parents to contribute to their children’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF) accounts, more Malaysian families are viewing the initiative as an opportunity to nurture financial responsibility and long-term security from a young age.
For Maggie Tan, a mother of a 14-year-old, the programme has become an invaluable tool for teaching financial literacy at home.
“Encouraging my son to start saving in EPF helps him develop responsible financial habits early on. It’s not just about money – it’s about discipline, patience and understanding how consistent effort leads to long-term rewards.”
Tan believes that introducing children to saving and investment principles early can shape their financial mindset for life.
“As parents, it’s a great way to teach them about managing money, setting goals and understanding that consistent savings bring long-term benefits.”
She also highlighted the power of compounding growth through EPF’s annual dividends.
“The sooner my child starts contributing, the more time the savings have to grow. Even small amounts now can become something meaningful over time – it’s a practical lesson in how patience and consistency can multiply wealth.”
Beyond savings, Tan views the move as laying a strong foundation for her child’s financial independence.
“By saving early, my son is already building a safety net for his future. As parents, we can take comfort knowing they’re preparing for big life goals – further education, buying a home or even retirement – long before most people start thinking about it.”
Another parent, Aisyah Humaira, 36, a teacher, shared a similar view and admitted she was initially unaware that parents could contribute to their child’s EPF account.
“Once I found out, I looked into it and realised it’s quite straightforward to open one once they turn 14 although the process could still be made easier.”
Her motivation goes beyond government incentives.
“For me, the main goal is to help my child build the habit of financial security. I contribute a small amount monthly – it may not seem like much now, but starting early makes all the difference later. This is part of my broader financial plan for her, alongside her education fund and small investments. It’s about teaching her long-term thinking.”
For Aisyah, the EPF contribution is not just about accumulating savings, but about empowerment.
“It’s reassuring to know that my daughter is already learning to take charge of her financial future. When she sees her savings grow, she feels motivated to continue. It’s a life lesson in responsibility and planning.”
Meanwhile, Nurul Hidayah, 37, a general administration worker and mother of two, said she only recently learned about the option.
“I honestly didn’t know that parents could contribute to their child’s EPF account – it’s not something that’s been widely shared.
“When I first heard about it, I was quite surprised because it sounds like a really good idea. If I had known earlier, I would’ve started saving for them through EPF instead of just keeping their money in a normal savings account.”
Nurul believes more awareness and education are needed to reach families like hers.
“Most parents focus on education funds or insurance plans, but we don’t realise that EPF offers long-term growth and security too.
“If more parents knew about it, I think many of us would start contributing.
“It’s a meaningful way to prepare our children for the future.”
