Many laud EPF for housewives move
It shows appreciation for the contributions homemakers make, say women
PETALING JAYA: Women’s groups and housewives welcome Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail’s move to look at a mechanism that will allow housewives to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
They also applaud the clarification by the Deputy Prime Minister that the proposed 2% EPF contribution will be from the husbands’ existing 11% contribution without any extra deduction from the husbands’ earnings.
According to Bernama, Dr Wan Azizah said ministry officials would have a meeting with EPF CEO Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan to discuss the mechanism for the deduction of the contribution.
Priscilla Chan, 29, who resigned from an accounting firm after getting married two years ago to take care of her family, has applauded the quick action of Dr Wan Azizah.
“Some husbands I know, including mine, have previously claimed that they will have 2% less of their income for spending, to pay bills or to invest. With this, I think all the husbands have no reasons to oppose,” she quipped.
“When we reach retirement age, we can use the EPF savings. This will lighten the burden of our children. Housewives will not need to depend too much on their husbands or children for money when they reach retirement age,” she added.
Chan said the new policy can also be seen as a token of appreciation for the contribution and sacrifices of the housewives to their families.
“Housewives’ or homemakers’ contribution and sacrifices are sometimes overlooked,” she added.
A 53-year-old housewife who only wants to be known as Amy said her husband was happy to learn that there will not be an extra deduction to his earnings.
“Sometimes my husband really takes my duty doing household chores for granted as he thinks I am not the breadwinner of the family. At times, I need to consider his mood when I want to ask for extra pocket money,” she added.
“I have not been contributing to EPF for years. With the scheme, I will have extra money if I need to get medical treatment when I get older,” said Amy, who has been a housewife for more than 20 years.
Sisters In Islam (SIS) communications manager Majidah Hashim ( pic) said the Muslim women’s NGO welcomed the initiative to recognise the work done by housewives but highlighted that the Government should also focus on single mothers and single women who need to take care of dependants.
“We would like to point out, however, that this initiative addresses only a limited segment of women who do not have EPF contributions.
“Mechanisms should also be developed to address other segments such as single mothers and single women who are caring for dependants such as elderly parents, dependants with disabilities or other dependants,” she added.
Selangor Friends Of Women Association adviser Irene Xavier said such a scheme will make it mandatory for the husband to put money away for his wife’s retirement or at least for her old age.
“It awards a measure of dignity to the woman who otherwise works for free. Her work is acknowledged. Finally the State also acknowledges the work housewives do for the community.
“We hope that a proper, enforceable mechanism is worked out to implement this scheme,” she said.
Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower) advocacy and capacity-building officer Rizal Rozhan said it is a welcome initiative because it sets the precedence that care work should be valued as any other work.