MOST Malaysians, I believe are in the same boat as me, do not own a property and are merely renting.

Not all are lucky enough to earn enough to buy a property and raise a family.

I became a Grab driver after I lost my job when the pandemic hit our shores last year. I was earlier working as the head of security for a shopping mall.

When the pandemic hit, the mall was badly affected and after some time, there was also no longer any need for so many security officers.

When I lost my job, I was devastated and before starting my job as a Grab driver, my RM800-a-month rent went into two months arrears.

I was making about RM3,000 a month with my fulltime job, while my wife made about RM1,800.

We have three children and live on Old Klang Road. Our earnings were just enough to pay all our bills and put food on our table.

Our family car is a 2016 Perodua Myvi, which we purchased second-hand and are paying about RM500 a month.

My rent was two months in arrears and I owed the bank one month’s instalment for our car.

I was at a loss where to get the money to pay these arrears when I heard about the government’s move to allow EPF withdrawals.

Both my wife and I applied, given that we have been working for more than 10 years each and needed the money urgently.

Our applications were accepted, we managed to settle all our outstanding arrears and also have some left over for other rainy days.

However, over time, we had to use up all that money. When the pandemic struck badly this year, things again took a turn for the worse.

Previously, my wife had to accept a pay cut but this year she lost her job, while Grab customers were also scarce.

Again, our rent and car instalments went into arrears. Thank God for the i-Citra initiative which once again helped us get back on our feet.

There is no fuss if you ask me, about withdrawing our EPF when we really need it. It is after all our hard, earned money and our right to use it.

It is good that the government gives us this option. Whether you do so, is up to you.

An extra RM1,500 a month for my wife and me certainly goes a long way and with that money, my wife has managed to set up a small stall selling curry-puffs near our house.

Times are tough and I want to thank the government for this initiative. If not for the i-Citra and earlier i-Sinar withdrawals, I don’t know how my family would have made it. – July 2, 2021.

* Andrew Seah reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.