Starting January 1, 2026, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is set to implement an exciting array of enhancements to its policies and products. Among these changes are the launch of the i-Saraan Plus initiative aimed at gig economy workers and the introduction of a new Retirement Income Adequacy (RIA) framework.
These initiatives were initially unveiled during Budget 2026 and are crafted to bolster retirement savings, broaden social protection, and significantly improve the overall experience for members, as stated by the EPF in a press release on New Year's Eve.
New Support for Gig Workers and Housewives
The i-Saraan Plus program will offer a voluntary contribution option specifically designed for drivers involved in e-hailing and p-hailing services. Eligible drivers participating in this scheme will benefit from an enhanced government matching incentive that could reach up to RM600 per year, with a lifetime cap of RM6,000. The platforms facilitating these services will assist by automatically deducting contributions based on the rates decided by the drivers themselves.
This new offering builds on the existing i-Saraan program, which currently provides government matching contributions of up to RM500 annually, capped at RM5,000 throughout a member’s lifetime.
Additionally, the eligibility age for the i-Suri program, which supports housewives in making contributions, has been raised from 55 to 60 years old, aligning it with the country’s minimum retirement age. The government will continue to match 50% of annual contributions under this scheme, limited to RM300 per year and RM3,000 over a lifetime.
Increased Haj Withdrawal Limit
To better accommodate members who wish to perform the haj pilgrimage, the EPF has decided to increase the withdrawal limit from the Akaun Sejahtera to RM10,000, up from the previous cap of RM3,000. Moreover, the application process has been simplified by eliminating the requirement for members to verify their Tabung Haji savings balances when applying for this withdrawal.
RIA Framework Establishes New Savings Benchmarks
On January 1, the new Retirement Income Adequacy (RIA) framework will officially take effect, establishing three distinct savings tiers to aid members in planning for their retirement: Basic Savings at RM390,000, Adequate Savings at RM650,000, and Enhanced Savings at RM1.3 million.
In conjunction with these new savings categories, the EPF will also be revising its policies regarding high-balance accounts and investments.
- Withdrawals Over RM1 Million: For members under 55 with substantial savings, the limit for excess savings that can be withdrawn will gradually increase by RM100,000 each year over the next three years, starting with RM1.1 million in 2026.
- Member Investment Scheme Adjustments: The threshold for using funds for external investments will now align with the Basic Savings level. The minimum savings required to qualify for the Member Investment Scheme (MIS) will be adjusted in stages to ensure that the use of excess savings for investments does not compromise basic retirement needs.
Overall, these changes are designed to put into action the RIA framework announced in 2024, reinforcing the EPF’s dedication to balancing flexible access with the long-term safeguarding of members’ savings amidst the challenges of rising living costs.
In addition to these policy enhancements, the EPF has refreshed the branding of its voluntary contribution options, introducing "i-Simpan" for self-contributions and "i-Topup" for additional voluntary contributions that exceed the statutory requirements.
These initiatives are part of the broader measures outlined in the government’s Budget 2026, presented by the Prime Minister on October 10, 2025. They signify the EPF’s ongoing commitment to meet the evolving needs of its members while fostering long-term financial stability, well-being, and a more secure and fulfilling retirement.
