Channel RM1b for EPF to help flood victims, says Muhyiddin

The government should use the RM1 billion earmarked to bolster savings in the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to assist flood victims instead, said Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Pagoh MP pointed out that EPF contributors did not request for the RM1 billion injection.

“The contributors asked for the government to allow targeted withdrawals from their EPF accounts,” he said, adding that the sum can be channelled to areas worst affected by the floods.

Last month, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that RM500 would be credited to the EPF accounts of those who have less than RM10,000.

He also dismissed calls for another round of withdrawal, pointing out that two-thirds of contributors aged 55 and below do not have enough funds to raise them above the poverty level.

Muhydiddin dares Anwar

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin criticised Anwar’s maiden budget, noting how several promises in Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto were not fulfilled or raised during the prime minister’s speech.

He said Harapan had promised equal allocations to all lawmakers and to eradicate “cartels” in the food sector and basic needs.

He also mentioned other promises, such as the targeted debt cancellation programme, especially for the poor and B40 households.

“These issues were not raised when tabling (the budget)... Perhaps, these are not important to Tambun (Anwar).

“I wish to ask, does Tambun have the courage to admit that the promises in Harapan’s manifesto are just rhetoric?” he added.

The former premier also trained his guns on BN’s manifesto, pointing out the unfulfilled promises such as the basic income assistance scheme.

“That was in their (BN) manifesto. Maybe it’s not applicable anymore now,” he added.

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