Malaysian Workers Report Missing EPF Contributions Despite Payslip Deductions

Multiple Malaysian employees have reported that their mandatory Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, though deducted from their paychecks, were never deposited into their accounts.

Sufiah Saidi, a 35-year-old former administrative staff member, discovered in June of this year that her EPF contributions had ceased in April 2024, despite continued deductions. She is now facing arrears totaling RM8,064. “I only found out after a colleague mentioned it,” Saidi stated. “When I checked the EPF app, I saw my last recorded contribution was on 16 March 2024, amounting to RM504. But every month, my salary was being deducted.” Her former employer reportedly attributed the issue to delayed client payments. This situation highlights a potential systemic issue impacting workers’ retirement savings.

Mohd Zaidi Ahmad, 37, a customer service representative, faces a similar predicament, with no EPF contributions made since January 2024. “I only found out when I checked my i-Akaun,” Zaidi said. “The last deposit was in January. After that, the deductions are just numbers on a payslip—none of it reached my account.” Both Saidi and Zaidi expressed concerns about the impact on their financial futures, including their ability to secure loans. For information on your EPF account, visit the official EPF website.

Saidi has lodged a report with EPF headquarters in May and is awaiting updates, while Zaidi reports receiving only vague promises from his employer. Failure to remit EPF contributions is a violation of Malaysian labor laws, potentially leading to legal repercussions for employers. The EPF is a crucial component of Malaysia’s social security system, providing financial security during retirement; issues with contributions can severely impact long-term financial well-being, as detailed in this report from The Star.

EPF officials have yet to release a statement regarding the reports, but are expected to investigate the claims further.