Malaysians with Singapore work permits are being encouraged to voluntarily contribute to the Employees Provident Fund to increase their retirement savings.
EPF (southern) regional director Nor Azhar Abdul Mokti said these workers were not required to contribute to Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF).
He added the number was too large to ignore with about 300,000 to 400,000 commuting daily to the republic.
Nor Azhar said Johor Baru EPF was eager to meet associations or groups representing those working across the causeway.
“The main obstacle is timing because the majority of them start their commute early in the morning and only return late in the evening,” he said following a Johor media and stakeholder management (southern chapter) session at a hotel in Johor Baru.
He said EPF wanted to create awareness among these workers.
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The self-contribution option is only available to Malaysians or Malaysian permanent residents below age 75 and registered with the EPF.
Contributions are according to one’s financial means.
“Malaysians in the Singapore can start contributing voluntarily to not miss out on benefits.”
Currently, it is mandatory for Singaporeans and permanent residents to contribute to CPF, but not foreign workers on a work permit.
Due to this, Malaysians earn a gross salary with no deductions.
Nor Azhar said children as young as 15 could also start contributing via EPF I-Simpan and I-Topup.
“Parents or guardians can visit the nearest EPF office with their children and our officers will assist them in opening the accounts,’’ he said, adding that the minimum contribution was RM10.
The EPF Southern Region covers Johor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan with a total 14 branches in Johor (Johor Baru, Kulai, Batu Pahat, Muar, Segamat, Kluang, Pasir Gudang and Mersing), Melaka (Bandar Melaka, Alor Gajah and Jasin) and Negri Sembilan (Seremban, Nilai and Bahau).
