Budget 2027: EPF backs RM2,000 minimum wage, automatic membership from age 18

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) said the minimum wage increase to RM2,000 would help workers earn more and save more for retirement. — File picture by Hari Anggara

First Published: Saturday, 10 Oct 2026 10:44 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 — The increase in the minimum wage to RM2,000 is an important labour market reform that will improve workers’ livelihoods and support better retirement adequacy for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members, its chief executive officer, Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn, said.

“It is also a meaningful step towards labour’s share of national income, ensuring the benefits of economic growth are shared more widely.

“EPF also supports the initiative to increase the threshold for living wage at government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to RM3,400, and is committed to full implementation,” he said, reacting to the Budget 2027 tabled in Parliament here yesterday.

In a statement, Ahmad Zulqarnian said Budget 2027 also expands access to retirement savings by automatically registering Malaysian citizens as EPF members upon reaching the age of 18.

“The i-Saraan Plus programme for e-hailing and p-hailing drivers will also continue. Drivers are eligible to receive a 20 per cent government matching incentive, subject to an annual cap of RM600 and RM6,000 over a lifetime up to the national minimum retirement age,” he said.

Ahmad Zulqarnian said EPF continues to encourage members to plan their retirement savings following their retirement.

“Through i-Emas, members may opt to receive monthly payments from their Age 55 and Age 60 Withdrawals instead of making a full withdrawal.

“Savings retained with the EPF will continue to earn annual dividends, helping retirement savings last longer as a source of post-retirement income,” he added. — Bernama