New retirement benchmarks, higher Hajj limits, and gig worker benefits among EPF’s 2026 policy updates
THE Employees Provident Fund has revealed comprehensive policy reforms set to beginning today, focusing on enhanced retirement security, broader social coverage, and improved member experience.
These transformations, detailed on EPF’s official platform, complement Budget 2026 initiatives and respond to escalating cost-of-living pressures while empowering Malaysians to build stronger financial foundations for their golden years.
Here’s what members need to know about the upcoming changes.
Hajj Withdrawal Ceiling Raised to RM10,000
EPF will more than triple the maximum Hajj withdrawal amount from RM3,000 to RM10,000 for members holding official pilgrimage offers from Lembaga Tabung Haji.
Notable modifications:
- Funds will continue sourcing from Akaun Sejahtera
- Tabung Haji balance verification eliminated
- Streamlined process for pilgrimage financial planning
The adjustment acknowledges contemporary Hajj expenses.
i-Saraan Plus: Targeted Support for Platform Economy Workers
A specialized voluntary savings program called i-Saraan Plus will launch specifically for e-hailing and p-hailing professionals.
Program highlights:
- Annual government matching incentives reaching RM600
- Lifetime incentive maximum of RM6,000
- Automated membership registration via platform providers
- Customizable contribution percentage options
This expansion of the current i-Saraan initiative aims to bolster retirement protection for gig sector participants.
i-Suri Age Threshold Extended to 60
Female members can now access i-Suri benefits until age 60, up from the previous 55-year cutoff, matching Malaysia’s official minimum retirement age.
2026 program parameters:
- Government continues 50% contribution matching
- Annual ceiling stays at RM300
- Lifetime maximum remains RM3,000
The extension provides additional years for women to accumulate retirement funds.
Three-Tier Retirement Income Adequacy Framework Debuts
Beginning January 1, 2026, the Retirement Income Adequacy (RIA) Framework establishes three distinct savings milestones to help members evaluate their preparedness.
The benchmarks are:
- Basic Savings: RM390,000
- Adequate Savings: RM650,000
- Enhanced Savings: RM1.3 million
These targets serve as planning guidelines for achieving financial security in retirement.
Revised Rules for High-Balance Withdrawals
EPF is updating withdrawal policies for members exceeding the RM1 million savings mark to align with Enhanced Savings standards.
Updated provisions:
- Members under 55 gain flexibility for surplus management
- Gradual threshold increases implemented
- 2026 threshold set at RM1.1 million
- Annual RM100,000 increments over three-year period
The staged implementation balances accessibility with long-term security objectives.
Members Investment Scheme Safeguards Core Savings
The Members Investment Scheme will integrate with the RIA Framework to protect essential retirement capital.
Key adjustments:
- Investment access limited to amounts exceeding Basic Savings threshold
- Phased implementation of minimum requirements
- Enhanced protection of foundational retirement funds from market volatility
Simplified Naming for Voluntary Contributions
EPF has modernised the terminology for voluntary savings options to improve clarity and member understanding.
Rebranded programs:
- i-Simpan: Personal voluntary contributions
- i-Topup: Additional contributions beyond mandatory rates
These join established programs including i-Saraan, i-Sayang, i-Suri, and Akaun Persaraan Top Up Savings.
The 2026 reforms represent EPF’s most significant policy overhaul in recent years, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to adapting retirement solutions for Malaysia’s evolving economic landscape.
