The misappropriation of Employee Provident Fund contributions by errant companies have been widespread due to the inaction of the EPF Board. To be fair, it may have been reluctant or even unable to take action for many reasons.

However, EPF should always put its members welfare paramount and act accordingly. They should act without fear even if the guilty parties were subsidiaries of state agencies and companies owned or controlled by influential politicians.

The board should not be slow to act or show mercy even if the errant companies claim to face financial difficulties. After all, some monies which are part of the employees salaries have been deducted.

I know of one particular private college in Perak which failed to remit EPF deductions in excess of RM250,000 in 1998. As far as I know, the politician involved was not charged and the poor employees continue to suffer. The rich keep on robbing the poor with impunity because of the inaction of the respective authorities.