The EPF said this includes applications that are still awaiting approval and were previously rejected, before the improved i-Sinar facility without criteria was implemented.

“The EPF appreciates members’ patience while this process is under way. Members who continue to see an unchanged application status may recheck their status on subsequent days,” it said in a statement.

EPF noted that new applications reflecting the removal of the criteria will be opened beginning March 8, for all other members below the age of 55, subject to their available Account 1 balance.

“This includes non-Malaysian EPF members. New applications will be processed within five working days of submission, after which members may check their application status and payment date,” it said.

The pension fund also said beginning March 8, members may amend their application details such as amount to be withdrawn, bank details, address, telephone number and payment method on i-Sinar Online.

The withdrawal amount, as well as the maximum six-month payment schedule of the amounts withdrawn are as previously communicated, it said.

According to EPF, those who have RM100,000 and below in Account 1 can withdraw up to RM10,000, of which the payments will be staggered over a period of six months with the first payout of up to RM5,000.

For those who have more than RM100,000 in Account 1, EPF said they have access to 10% of their savings, with a maximum total withdrawal of RM60,000 and the payments will also be staggered over a period of six months with a first payment of up to RM10,000.

Members may contact the i-Sinar hotline at 03-8922 4848 for further information. For general enquiries, members can contact the EPF Contact Management Centre at 03-89226000 or refer to the website at www.kwsp.gov.my.