MTUC: EPF result proof that govt strategies are effective
The increase of 1.2 per cent in the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) 2017 dividend payout is proof of the effectiveness of the government and EPF’s strategy in strengthening its investments.
Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor said the increase in dividend was a windfall for EPF’s 14 million contributors.
MTUC, he said, thanked the government for its transparency and EPF for its initiatives in ensuring that contributors obtained an even more positive return than the year before.
“MTUC is aware that 2016 was a challenging financial year due to various factors, among them the depreciation of the ringgit, as well as the political environment, which raised doubt among investors.
“However, our confidence was bolstered last year after a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who provided the impetus to ensure that the rise in dividend is realised.”
The record dividend was lauded by EPF contributors.
“Alhamdullilah (praise to God). This is good news. I want to thank the government for it,” said EPF member Kartini Abdullah, 69.
Another EPF member, H.B. Micheal Tang, 40, welcomed the higher dividend for conventional savings.
“The 6.9 per cent dividend is good, but I don’t think they are going to amend the withdrawalage regulation just yet.
“I’m hoping for good news on that in the future,” said the engineer.