PETALING JAYA: Close to RM7 billion had been withdrawn from the flexible third EPF account as of June 10, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, said a total of RM6.98 billion had been withdrawn by some 2.93 million EPF members.
These members represent 22.6% of those below the age of 55.
Anwar also said that EPF had approved applications by 3.45 million members from the same age group to transfer an initial amount from Akaun Sejahtera or Account 2 to the flexible account, involving a sum of RM10.86 billion.
He was responding to Sheikh Puzi Sheikh Ali (BN-Pekan) who asked about the number of withdrawals from the third account since EPF’s restructuring exercise.
On May 11, EPF announced that monthly contributions would be split three ways: 75% into Account 1 (Akaun Persaraan), 15% into Account 2 (Akaun Sejahtera), and 10% into Account 3 (Akaun Fleksibel).
Members have the option of transferring a portion of their Akaun Sejahtera savings to Akaun Fleksibel for immediate access.
Funds from Akaun Fleksibel, meanwhile, can be withdrawn by members at any time for any purpose, subject to a minimum withdrawal amount of RM50.
