EPF’s 2026 policy enhancements include a higher haj withdrawal limit, new i-Saraan Plus for gig workers, and a revised Retirement Income Adequacy Framework.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has announced a series of policy and product enhancements effective from 1 January 2026.
The initiatives aim to strengthen retirement adequacy, expand social protection, and improve the member experience.
Key changes include an increased haj withdrawal limit from Akaun Sejahtera, raised from RM3,000 to RM10,000.
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EPF stated this will assist members who have received offers to perform the pilgrimage.
“The requirement to verify balances in members’ Tabung Haji savings accounts to determine the eligible withdrawal amount will be removed,” the fund said.
This change simplifies the application process for members planning their hajj.
A new facility called i-Saraan Plus is being introduced for e-hailing and p-hailing drivers.
It offers a higher government matching incentive of up to RM600 annually, with a lifetime cap of RM6,000.
Eligible drivers will be registered as EPF members through their platform providers, which will also facilitate contribution deductions.
The eligibility age for the i-Suri scheme will be extended from 55 to 60, aligning with the national minimum retirement age.
The government’s matching incentive for i-Suri will continue at 50% of annual contributions, capped at RM300 per year and RM3,000 lifetime.
EPF’s Retirement Income Adequacy (RIA) Framework will also take effect on 1 January 2026.
It introduces three savings tiers: Basic Savings (RM390,000), Adequate Savings (RM650,000), and Enhanced Savings (RM1.3 million).
In line with this, withdrawal rules for savings exceeding RM1 million will be enhanced for members below 55.
They will gain flexibility to manage excess funds after meeting their retirement needs.
The excess savings limit for withdrawal will increase gradually by RM100,000 yearly over three years, starting from RM1.1 million in 2026.
The eligibility threshold for the Members Investment Scheme (MIS) will be aligned with the Basic Savings level.
The minimum savings quantum for MIS will be revised in stages to protect members’ basic retirement needs.
To encourage voluntary savings, EPF is introducing i-Simpan for self-contribution and i-Topup for voluntary excess contributions.
These complement existing facilities like i-Saraan, i-Sayang and i-Suri.
Further details on all initiatives are available in the FAQs on the EPF website. – Bernama
