‘It will take time to ensure housewives have EPFs too’
PETALING JAYA:
Giving housewives 2% of their husband’s EPF contributions will take time, as changes must be made to the law first, says the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
The Government, the ministry said, needed to amend the Employees Provident Fund Act to enable such a transfer.
“This may require more time for its implementation, to enable the proposal to be studied and presented to the Cabinet, prior to its tabling in Parliament,” the ministry said when contacted.
It was reported that Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had said Section 51 of the Act prevented a man’s EPF contributions from being transferred to his spouse.
The ministry had conducted several discussions with the Finance Ministry, Social Security Organisation, EPF and the Human Resources Ministry over the move.
“The initiative has been proposed to be implemented in phases. The initial phase is on a voluntary basis where housewives register with EPF using the existing 1Malaysia Retirement Savings Scheme,” the ministry said.
For a sum contributed by housewives, the Government will provide an incentive of RM50 each a month (or a maximum of RM600 per year) to be credited into their accounts.
The ministry said the proposed measures were to ensure housewives had a basic safety net in their later years.
“With the immeasurable work contributed by housewives, it is hoped that husbands will be more appreciative of the support and sacrifices made by their spouses at home,” it added.
Paying tribute to fathers nationwide in conjunction with Father’s Day, the ministry said the foundation of a happy family was built upon the shoulders of fathers who acted as the breadwinner, head of the family and protector of their children.
“In today’s modern society, as both parents tend to maintain their careers, fathers have a role to play in looking after the children and doing household chores.
“In conjunction with National Father’s Day 2018 celebration on June 26, the ministry hopes all Malaysians show their appreciation towards both parents.
“Honour them and show them you care, even if it is just with a phone call, a hug or a simple heartfelt wish,” the ministry said.
On a proposal to have a mandatory threeday paternity leave for the private sector, the ministry said such a move could be looked into by the Human Resources Ministry.
“Longer paternity leave can also promote closer bonds in the family, resulting in parents being more productive when they return to work,” it said, adding that paternity leave for civil servants was under the Public Service Department’s purview.