THE Muslim Consumer Association Malaysia (PPIM) has urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to understand the people’s plight.

PPIM special officer Gulab Jan Fazal Eladi said the association understood the people’s grievances as they were the first to receive complaints from the public.

“The government’s move in allowing Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) members to use their Account 2 as a support for emergency bank loans would not help those out of work,” she said.

Gulab was accompanied by representatives from the Global Human Rights Federation and Pertubuhan Gagasan Inovasi Rakyat Selangor, who gathered outside the EPF headquarters today.

They protested against the plan to allow EPF accounts to be used as a support for loans. 

They want the EPF to support another round of special withdrawals instead.

Last month, the government introduced a scheme that allows EPF contributors to apply for bank loans by using their retirement funds as a support.

Anwar said this facility would only be for those who need money desperately.

The protest today highlighted two important matters. One is a protest against the plan to allow EPF accounts to be used as collateral for loans.

The other reason was to seek EPF’s support in calling for another round of special withdrawals.

Meanwhile, PGIR president Azmie Bugis called on EPF and the Finance Ministry to hold a briefing session with EPF contributors to listen to their plights.

According to Azmie, 300,000 contributers need access to their funds to pay off their debts have sought his NGOs assistance.

He added that on top of allowing for another round of EPF withdrawal, the government should provide job opportunities to EPF contributors currently without work, as well as review salaries to reflect the current high cost of living.

Azmie also called on the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to advise Anwar to help the rakyat. – April 14, 2023.