Looking beyond current struggles

Despite the challenges they face, some Malaysians are working hard to boost their depleted retirement savings. — The Star/Sia Hong Kiau.

COVID-19 has pushed the finances of many into critical straits with employment losses, salary cuts and uncertain job security. Despite the challenges they face, some Malaysians are working hard and trying all avenues to improve their income in order to put aside a little bit of money for a rainy day, or to boost their depleted retirement savings.

When Covid-19 hit, Intan Zainal was left jobless for a year and three months. This drastic turn of events significantly impacted her savings, and she was forced to dip into her Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account to pay her bills, insurance and utilities, and took up a moratorium on her housing loan.