In a statement, EIWU secretary-general Md Zaimi Muhamad Yusof said the union shared the view of several NGOs, political parties and academicians supporting the withdrawal of EPF funds from Account 1.

He also said most of the workers affected by the pandemic were from the B40 and M40 groups who lost their jobs.

Zaimi said although government assistance had been given to workers through such schemes as Bantuan Prihatin Nasional and the Employment Insurance System, it was not sufficient to lighten the financial burden faced by their families.

He said the statement by EPF CEO Alizakri Alias that the federal government was providing several forms of direct assistance to those affected, through Prihatin, Prihatin SME+, Penjana and Kita Prihatin, did not adequately answer the issues raised.

“The fact is that workers’ homes are in danger of being auctioned off and their vehicles are at risk of being repossessed. Eventually, their health will deteriorate, either physically or psychologically, due to the effects of their misery.

“Will the EPF help after all these disasters hit the workers?”

Zaimi said EIWU also shared the views of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress that a detailed study was needed to determine a reasonable amount to be withdrawn and identify the employees severely affected by the pandemic.

“A reasonable figure must be allowed to be withdrawn from Account 1 because the money belongs to the members,” he said.

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