Two factors contributed to lower EPF dividends this year – CEO

THERE were two factors contributing to the lower dividend payments for this year - a weaker domestic market performance and currency movements.

EPF chief executive officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn said the growth of the Bursa Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI)  was slower, at 2.3% last year compared to about 12.9% in 2024.

"The second reason was that some of EPF's international assets, particularly those denominated in US dollars, declined in ringgit terms due to the strengthening of the local currency," he told a media briefing on the dividend announcement today.

He explained that the overall payout was higher due to the larger size of contributions and the fund itself.

The EPF declared a dividend rate of 6.15% for conventional savings for 2025, with the total payout amounting to RM67.1 billion.

Meanwhile, the dividend rate for syariah savings was 6.15% with the payout totalling RM12.5 billion.

This involves a total payout of RM79.6 billion.

For 2024, EPF declared a dividend rate of 6.3% for conventional savings with a total payout amounting to RM63.05 billion, as well as a 6.3% dividend for syariah savings, with a payout amounting to RM10.19 billion. – February 28, 2026