PETALING JAYA: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will roll out several initiatives next year to boost retirement savings and social protection, particularly for informal and self-employed workers, under Budget 2026.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will introduce i-Saraan Plus, an enhanced voluntary contribution scheme designed for gig workers, e-hailing drivers and delivery riders, as well as self-employed Malaysians.
Under i-Saraan Plus, contributors will receive matching government contributions of up to RM600 per year, or RM6,000 in their lifetime.
He said this initiative builds on the existing i-Saraan programme, which offers matching contributions of up to RM500 per year or RM5,000 lifetime for informal sector workers.
“The expansion of EPF’s voluntary contribution schemes is meant to ensure that all Malaysians — including those without formal employment — have the opportunity and incentive to save for retirement,” said Anwar when tabling the Supply Bill in Parliament on Friday (Oct 10).
At the same time, he noted that the i-Suri scheme, which targets housewives registered under the e-Kasih database, will be improved with the eligibility age extended to 60 years, in line with the minimum retirement age.
Anwar also announced that EPF members will be able to use savings in their Akaun Sejahtera to subscribe to basic medical or health insurance and takaful plans.
The move is aimed at providing members, especially lower-income contributors, with access to essential healthcare coverage without disrupting their long-term savings.
Lai, A. (2025, October 10). Budget 2026 introduces enhanced EPF scheme for gig workers, self‑employed to boost savings. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/10/budget-2026-introduces-enhanced-epf-scheme-for-gig-workers-self-employed-to-boost-savings
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