KUALA LUMPUR – The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) says there are no conditions attached to the i-Sinar withdrawal application, saying that what is outlined is criteria to ensure that applications match its internal data.
In a statement issued today in response to media query, EPF said this is to ensure the approval process is easily and securely expedited.
“The process of verification is required to avoid fraud and improper withdrawal of i-Sinar funds by third parties. For members who fulfill the criteria, their application will be approved automatically,” the EPF said.
It said only confirmation of the maximum amount is required during members’ online application.
As each member’s situation is unique, it said, category 2 provides the opportunity for the fund to consider certain situations such as a reduction in income based on their supporting documents.
On why automatic approval could not be given for those who also applied for i-Lestari, EPF said that the country’s situation was different when it launched i-Lestari compared to now.
“Economic activity basically halted during those months (starting March). Now the economy is almost back to normal and most employees are back to work.
“Even so, EPF understands that the economic situation of current members differ depending on the sector or industry they are working in, and i-Sinar will be available to assist them,” it said.
For members who did not suffer a 30 per cent salary reduction but still require cash to sustain their livelihood in this pandemic, EPF said there is still latitude under category 2 to consider applications from all members who are affected by Covid-19.
“If you have suffered a reduction in income or salary and have the supporting documents to show for it, you are encouraged to apply on January 11, 2021. The EPF will still consider your application.
“This is to ensure that the door is not closed and it provides an opportunity for as many members as possible to apply for i-Sinar, estimated to be eight million,” it said.
As to why payments are staggered over the six-month period rather than being a lump sum payment, EPF said it wishes to ensure members are assisted for as long as possible and understands that the first month is important for members to cover their liabilities and beginning-of-the-year expenses such as children’s schooling and the like.
“As such, the staggered approach in payment is based on a few criteria, including data on current liabilities of EPF members; the need to spread out the period of assistance due to the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic; and to balance the cashflow and current investments of EPF,” it said.
On cutting short the processing time, EPF said for those in category 1, the fund has expedited the application process via auto-approval using internal data. They are estimated to receive their first payment in mid-January 2021.
As for those in category 2, the EPF estimated the processing time to be between two and three weeks from the date of application, to allow document verification and case-by-case consideration.
The members are estimated to receive their first payment by the end of February.
Members are required to apply online and EPF reminded that before doing so, they should ensure their i-Akaun is active, their phone number is updated to receive TAC number (at EPF counters or kiosks) and their bank account number is active. – Bernama, December 5, 2020.
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