THE Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) wants 5 million documented workers as well as illegal migrants repatriated immediately, said its president Abdul Halim Mansor.

“We wish to thank the government for their concern for the people’s well-being in this budget. It shows that Putrajaya wants to help and educate the public, not provide money for the people to shop,” said Halim.

“However, we urge the government to send home 5 million foreign workers (legal and illegal).”

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said starting January, those who have lost their jobs will be able to withdraw RM500 monthly from their EPF Account 1 for a year.

He set the maximum withdrawal amount from the account at RM6,000.

Tengku Zafrul said an estimated RM4 billion will be paid out from Account 1 under this plan to help those in need of financial assistance.

“Those affected can apply to withdraw from January 1, 2021,” he said in his Budget 2021 speech.

Prior to today’s announcement, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said that he would discuss suggestions to allow certain contributors, such as laid-off workers, to withdraw funds from their EPF Account 1.

Halim also lauded EPF’s move to reduce the employees’ contribution rate from 12% to 9% for next year.

He said the move was better compared to the last budget where employees’ contribution was reduced to 7%.

“MTUC supports the 2021 Budget. Lowering the contribution from 12% to 9% is much better than lowering it to 7%.”

“Our concern is that the outflow of this assistance will reduce the return of EPF annual savings dividends,” he said. – November 6, 2020.