EPF delivers 6.15 pct dividend while reinforcing long-term savings security

KUALA LUMPUR (March 13): The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) announced a 6.15 per cent dividend for both Simpanan Konvensional and Simpanan Shariah for 2025, bringing total payouts to RM79.6 billion.

Of this, RM67.1 billion went to Simpanan Konvensional, while RM12.5 billion was allocated to Simpanan Shariah.

The rate was slightly lower than the 6.30 per cent declared in 2024 but remained a strong return amid a year of global economic uncertainties and market volatility.

EPF Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali said the results reflect the fund’s disciplined investment approach and focus on long-term security for members’ retirement savings.

“We are pleased to announce that EPF delivered a commendable performance in 2025 despite a volatile year marked by unpredictable trade policies.

“These results reflect our long-term approach to safeguarding members’ savings while delivering sustainable returns,” he said.

EPF also clarified that dividends are credited proportionately to all members’ savings, including funds in Akaun Fleksibel, based on the balance held in each account rather than being fully channelled into Akaun Fleksibel.

Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn explained that the flexible account was designed to allow greater withdrawal flexibility while ensuring savings remain invested and continue earning dividends.

EPF emphasised that returns are managed prudently to provide stability across both strong and challenging market conditions.

Adviser to the Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (Sheda), Dato Sim Kiang Chiok, said the dividend was a solid performance despite being marginally lower than last year.

“My reaction to the latest dividend announcement is generally positive. A 6.15 per cent dividend is a solid return,” he told The Borneo Post during a recent interview.

Sim, who is also the chairman for the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Stakan branch, noted that while contributors may have hoped for a higher rate, sustainability and consistency remain more important than short-term gains.

He said the dividend is still above many market expectations and far exceeds average bank savings or fixed deposit rates in Malaysia.

“In that respect, the EPF has delivered responsibly,” he said, adding that the fund’s performance reflects prudent financial management and a balanced investment strategy.

“It shows that the fund is balancing growth with capital preservation, which is critical for long-term retirement savings.”

On the restructuring of EPF accounts, Sim urged that dividends continue to be credited across all accounts rather than channelled entirely into Akaun Fleksibel (Account 3).

While easier access may be appealing in the short term, he cautioned that EPF’s primary role remains securing retirement savings.

“A balanced distribution protects members’ future financial stability while still allowing limited flexibility when necessary,” he said.

For the 2025 financial year, EPF recorded total distributable income of RM82.7 billion, up 9.5 per cent from RM75.5 billion in 2024.

Total investment assets grew to RM1.41 trillion from RM1.25 trillion, supported by portfolio income and net contributions of RM66.5 billion.

Ahmad Zulqarnain said equities remained the largest contributor to investment income, generating RM50.7 billion or 64 per cent of total investment returns.

Private equity, real estate, fixed income and money market instruments all contributed steadily to EPF’s overall investment income, which totalled RM79.2 billion for 2025, including Simpanan Konvensional of RM66.2 billion and Simpanan Shariah of RM13.0 billion.

Domestic investments generated nearly half of this income, with the rest coming from global markets.

Voluntary contributions also gained momentum, rising to RM19.2 billion, driven largely by the i-Saraan and i-Topup programmes.

Total contributions to EPF grew 12.3 per cent to RM121.5 billion, while membership expanded to 18.1 million, with 10.6 million active members and 2.8 million new registrations.

The number of active employers reached 640,391, reflecting continued strong participation in the fund.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mohd Zuki said the global economy is expected to remain resilient but uneven, while Malaysia’s outlook is supported by steady domestic demand, a healthy labour market, tourism recovery, and technology-driven exports.

“As a long-term retirement fund, we operate with a multi-year investment horizon, recognising that returns may vary from year to year while remaining focused on sustainable growth that enables members to benefit from compounding over time,” he said.

Members can check their credited dividends via the KWSP i-Akaun App or EPF Self-Service Terminals nationwide from March 1, 2026.