Just to clear this up. The EPF has NOT given the " Withdrawal Amount List" which indicates the amount you can withdraw depending on your age

So if you are 29 years old then you need less money in your Account 1 before you can withdraw for investment purposes. If you are 50 years old , then you need RM 120K before you can withdraw for investment. So the amount you can withdraw for investment is variable, depending on your age.


The current flat rate for EPF withdrawal is RM50K from Account 1. But the new ruling will come into effect from 1 Feb 2008. Thus those effected would be the middle age with good income. If you are 50 years old and have say RM100k now you can still invest in mutual funds. But come Feb 2008, you cannot invest any more as you need RM 120k before you can invest.

But details of the "List" from EPF have not been release yet.

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My grouse / complain about EPF is their " Yearly returns " in MUCH LESS than those which Mutual Funds have given. EPF ~ 5% over last 5 years. Ave Mutual Funds ~ 13% over last 5 years.

But if it is compounded over 5 years the difference ( EPF = 1.05 over 5 years = 1.276times VS Mutual funds = 1.13 over 5 years = 1.842 times)

In terms of RM, say RM 100 k , it is 184,200 - 127,600 = 56,600. NOW you can start crying & complain why the EPF returns is so low !!!

Another CRITICAL factor is INFLATION which will eat into your savings. Thus if inflation is say 4% and EPF is giving say 5%, then you are having 1% advantage.

I really PITY those who keep money in FIX DEPOSIT & SAVING ACCOUNT !!!

NOw I hope the GOVN will control INFLATION , but realistically inflation is expected be much higher this and next year.

Please check how much basic items like :- Wheat. Sugar, Palm Oil, Rubber, Soyabean, rice, etc + the MAIN CRITICAL item of Crude Oil. See how much these has gone up over the last 1 year !!! Eg :- Wheat ( to make Bread, Mee, Roti, noodles, etc ) has gone up over 200% in 1 year !!

But this will take time to filter into the General Public Expenses, as the manufacturers/suppliers and retailers are absorbing the rise in cost. But it will be a matter of time before it is passed down. Unless Suppliers/manufacturers/retailers like to make "Losses" ??

Do we see Petrol price going up next year ??? ........................... Most likely. .. ( Now to sell off the 3litre Ranger .... )

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Hope this helps.