Claim employment insurance, not withdraw EPF, Kapar MP tells workers
Rather than withdraw their own savings from the Employees Provident Fund, Kapar MP Abdullah Sani today said workers out of jobs due to the Covid-19 outbreak should instead claim their employment insurance.
The former union leader said since workers have contributed to the Employment Insurance System (EIS), they now have a right to claim for its full benefits.
Rather than withdraw their own savings from the Employees Provident Fund, Kapar MP Abdullah Sani today said workers out of jobs due to the Covid-19 outbreak should instead claim their employment insurance.
The former union leader said since workers have contributed to the Employment Insurance System (EIS), they now have a right to claim for its full benefits.
"That is your right, so you have a right to claim it.
"You have paid for it every month so (now) claim the protection, not by withdrawing your savings (from the EPF)," said Abdullah (above) in a statement.
Abdullah further said the Covid-19 outbreak was considered as a disaster that has affected various sectors in terms of economic impact.
"You can claim the EIS at any time if you fall under an eligible category.
"If no claim is made, the money that you contributed will be considered unclaimable once you retire. So those affected by Covid-19 should apply," he said.
Beginning Dec 1, 2018, workers who lost their jobs and have a minimum contribution of 11 months are eligible to claim full EIS benefits including various allowances.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday said contributors will be allowed to withdraw up to RM500 a month from Account 2 of their EPF for the next 12 months beginning April 1 in order to help those in need of money after having lost their source of income.
The government has imposed a movement control order from March 18 to March 31 to flatten the curve or infection rates of Covid-19.
Since then, extra restrictions imposed on businesses not deemed as essential services has seen many workers left temporarily or permanently without jobs.
Keep up with the latest information on the outbreak in the country with Malaysiakini's free Covid-19 tracker.
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