Epf Withdrawal Pm Not Keen Salahuddin Says It Warrants Discussion

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed calls for another round of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) special withdrawals, but one of his ministers said it warrants a cabinet discussion.
Anwar pointed out that it would be better for the government to look into other effective options to help those gravely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said that the government would have to consider the plight and the future of EPF contributors before allowing another round of withdrawals, as many have little savings in their accounts.
"I’ve checked the amount of savings and for a majority of contributors, it is too small, and I am very concerned about their future.
“It would be better for the government to look for options to help them,” he was quoted as saying by Bernama at an event with civil servants in Perlis today.
Earlier, at a separate event in Kuala Lumpur, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub assured that the request to allow for another round of withdrawals will be looked into, noting that the people's plight was due to the cost of living.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub inspecting prices at a hypermarket in Kuala Lumpur today“I think the backdrop of this issue is the cost of living... so I think that calls for a discussion (to allow another round of early withdrawals).
“Whether it can be agreed on or not, the cabinet has to discuss that,” he told Malaysiakini.
Yesterday, a group of EPF contributors called on the government to consider another EPF early withdrawal of up to RM30,000.
Anwar, when he was still with the opposition, previously supported the movement to allow early withdrawals from EPF back in March 2022, despite being initially reluctant to do so.
This, he said, was because the then government had failed to use its coffers to address the people's financial problems and provide the necessary aid.
Ceiling prices to combat cost of living issue
Earlier today, Salahuddin visited a hypermarket in Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur to inspect the implementation of the controlled prices of goods for the Chinese New Year season.
From Jan 15 to 29, the ministry has implemented a ceiling price on several goods such as cabbage, potatoes, garlic, fish and pork, in line with the festive season.
Salahuddin said that hypermarkets should set a good example to other industry players in abiding with the ceiling prices.
Those who do not comply with the set prices will be penalised, he added.
The minister also said that it is imperative to educate the masses on being careful when buying goods to prevent wastage.
He expressed hope that ceiling prices would also tackle the issue of supply, which in turn could prevent food waste.
“I hope that with this initiative there won’t be any more panic buying, and not only will the supply of goods be stable but so will the rakyat’s emotions,” he said.
Salahuddin pointed out that all communities could benefit from the ceiling prices despite it only occurring during festive seasons, adding that plans were underway to further implement ceiling prices on certain goods during Ramadan in March. - Mkini

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