Malaysians added RM14.13 billion to their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) accounts through voluntary top-ups between January and August 2025, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
A total of 1.12 million EPF members made these additional contributions during the period, the ministry said in a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday.
Annual Top-Up Limit Raised To RM100,000
EPF members have been able to top up their retirement savings with as much as RM100,000 annually since 1 June 2023, when the scheme was introduced. Previously, members could only add up to RM60,000 each year.
The voluntary contribution scheme forms part of the government’s broader efforts to help Malaysians build up their retirement funds ahead of their golden years.
Government Matching Incentives Expanded Under Budget 2025
The MOF outlined several initiatives and enhancements introduced under Budget 2025 to boost retirement savings, including expanded voluntary contribution schemes and increased matching incentives.
One key improvement was made to the i-Saraan programme, where the government’s matching incentive was raised from 15% to 20%. Contributions under this programme are capped at RM500 annually and RM5,000 over a lifetime per individual.
During the first half of 2025, i-Saraan recorded total contributions of RM2.8 billion from 487,375 members. Contributions rose 74% from RM1.6 billion, while membership increased 48% compared with the same period in 2024.
i-Suri Programme Continues For Housewives
The i-Suri programme, which offers a 50% government matching incentive capped at RM300 per year and RM3,000 lifetime, will continue in 2025 for housewives under 55 years old who are registered in the e-Kasih database.
Under the i-Sayang programme, husbands can voluntarily contribute 2% of their monthly EPF employee share savings into their wives’ accounts. As of August 2025, 158,000 husbands had participated in the programme, involving RM309.4 million in contributions.
Higher Voluntary Contributions Gain Traction
Beyond these government-backed schemes, 227,000 EPF members in employment have opted to contribute more than the statutory employee contribution rate of 11%, boosting their nest eggs for retirement.
The MOF was responding to questions from Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, who had asked about the government’s plans to encourage more Malaysians to open EPF accounts and benefit from the fund’s dividends.
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