GEORGE TOWN, Nov 4 — The Electrical Industry Workers Union (EIWU) has urged the federal government to allow the withdrawal of Employee Provident Fund (EPF) contribution from Account 1 to ease the burden of workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement, EIWU secretary-general Md Zaimi Muhamad Yusof said that EIWU shares the view of several non-government agencies, political parties and academicians in voicing out full support for the proposed withdrawal of EPG funds from Account 1 by the affected workers.
He also said that most workers who were heavily affected by the pandemic were from the B40 and M40 groups due to job losses.
“Although the federal government’s aid and assistance such as the Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) and the Employment Insurance System (EIS) are being channelled to lighten the burden of workers involved, the support is only but a little help that cannot lighten the burden of great misery,” he said.
He argued that the statement issued by the EPF chief executive officer Alizakri Alias, which stated that the federal government is providing several direct assistance to those affected through Prihatin, Prihatin SME+, Penjana and Kita Prihatin, is irrelevant and does not respond to the issues raised.
He also questioned whether the welfare protection of workers at present, especially during the unprecedented moment, is guaranteed to argue Alizakri’s claims that withdrawals from Account 1 would erode the future protection of members.
“The fact that workers’ homes will be auctioned off, the cost of living will be threatened, their vehicles will be repossessed by banking institutes and eventually their health will deteriorate either physically or psychologically due to the effects of misery.
“Will the EPF help after all these life disasters hit the workers, especially the affected group?” he said.
Md Zaimi said that the EIWU also shared the Malaysian Trades Union Congress’ view that a detailed study is needed to identify the mechanism by involving all stakeholders to determine a reasonable amount and identify the employees who are severely affected by the pandemic.
“Although the member’s claim for withdrawal is not in large amounts, a reasonable figure must be allowed by the EPF from Account 1 because the fund belongs to the member,” he added.
— Bernama
