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EPF Malaysia: Navigating The Withdrawal Process For First-Timers

By Worksy in November 20, 2023 – Reading time 6 minute
EPF Malaysia: Navigating The Withdrawal Process For First-Timers
EPF Malaysia: Navigating The Withdrawal Process For First-Timers

EPF Withdrawal Malaysia 2025: Your Complete Guide to Withdrawing from All 3 Accounts

The Employee Provident Fund (EPF), or Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP), is a cornerstone of retirement planning in Malaysia. Following the 2024 restructuring, understanding the EPF withdrawal Malaysia process is more important than ever. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for withdrawing funds from all three accounts, especially the new Akaun Fleksibel.

Whether you need funds for a short-term need, a down payment on a house, or are planning for retirement, we’ll walk you through the process to ensure it’s smooth and successful.


EPF account restructuring
Screen capture: KWSP’s official website (https://www.kwsp.gov.my/en/member/account-centre/account-restructuring)

A Quick Guide to the New EPF 3-Account Structure

Effective from May 2024, your EPF contributions are split into three accounts, each with a specific purpose. Understanding this structure is the first step in any withdrawal process.

Akaun Persaraan (Retirement Account)

This is your primary retirement fund, receiving 75% of your contributions. Funds in this account are reserved for your retirement and can only be accessed after you reach the retirement age. This structure is a key part of how EPF helps build retirement security for employees.

Akaun Sejahtera (Well-being Account)

Receiving 15% of your contributions, this account is designed to support your well-being during your working years. It can be used for specific life needs through various partial withdrawal options, which we will cover below.

Akaun Fleksibel (Flexible Account)

This new account receives 10% of your contributions and offers the most flexibility. It is designed to meet short-term financial needs, and you can withdraw from it at any time for any reason, making it a crucial source of liquidity for members.


How to Withdraw from Akaun Fleksibel (Account 3): A Step-by-Step Guide

The most common question from members is how to withdraw from Akaun Fleksibel. The process is designed to be fast and is best done through the official mobile app.

Online Withdrawal via the KWSP i-Akaun App

  1. Log In: Open your KWSP i-Akaun app and log in using your credentials.
  2. Navigate to Withdrawal: On the main dashboard, tap on the “Withdrawal” section.
  3. Select Akaun Fleksibel: Choose “Akaun Fleksibel” from the withdrawal options. The system will display your eligible withdrawal amount.
  4. Enter Amount: Input the amount you wish to withdraw. You can withdraw any amount up to the total balance in the account.
  5. Confirm Bank Details: Verify that your bank account information is correct. This is the account where the funds will be transferred.
  6. Review and Submit: Carefully review the summary of your withdrawal request. If everything is correct, agree to the terms and conditions and submit your application. You will receive a notification once it’s submitted.

Troubleshooting: Common Akaun Fleksibel Withdrawal Problems

Many users face issues during their first attempt. Here are solutions to common problems:

  • “I don’t see the withdrawal option”: This usually happens if you have not activated your i-Akaun or if you opted out of the initial transfer to Akaun Fleksibel. Ensure your account is fully activated.
  • “Application is pending or not approved”: This can be due to incorrect bank account details or a system delay. Double-check your bank information in your i-Akaun profile. If it persists, contact EPF directly.
  • “Withdrawal exceeded limit”: You can only withdraw the available balance in your Akaun Fleksibel. Check your account balance before making a request.

Akaun Sejahtera allows for several types of partial withdrawals to help you with major life expenses. This EPF partial withdrawal is a key benefit for members.

Housing Loan & Home Purchase Withdrawal

You can use funds from Akaun Sejahtera to reduce your housing loan balance, help with monthly installments, or finance the down payment on your first home. This typically requires submitting your Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and loan approval letter through the i-Akaun portal or at a branch.

Age 50 Withdrawal (Online Process)

Upon turning 50, you can make a one-time withdrawal from your Akaun Sejahtera. The i-Akaun withdrawal process is straightforward:

  1. Log in to your i-Akaun portal.
  2. Go to the “Withdrawal” tab and select “Age 50.”
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the application.

Education & Hajj Withdrawals

You can also withdraw from Akaun Sejahtera to pay for your own or your children’s education fees at approved institutions. Similarly, members selected to perform the Hajj can withdraw funds to supplement their savings with Tabung Haji.


Full Withdrawal: Accessing Your Retirement Funds at Age 55 & Beyond

Once you reach age 55, you can make a full or partial withdrawal of all your savings from both Akaun Persaraan and Akaun Sejahtera. At age 60, all remaining funds become eligible for withdrawal. This can be done online via i-Akaun or by visiting an EPF branch.


After You Apply: EPF Withdrawal Timelines & Status Checks

A common concern is the EPF withdrawal timeline. Processing times vary depending on the withdrawal type.

Estimated Processing Times for Each Withdrawal Type

  • Akaun Fleksibel: Typically processed within the same day, often in just a few minutes if submitted via the i-Akaun app.
  • Age 50/55/60 Withdrawals: Usually approved within 3-5 working days.
  • Housing & Education Withdrawals: May take longer, around 1-2 weeks, due to the need for document verification.

How to Check Your Application Status Online

You can easily track your application’s progress:

  1. Log in to your i-Akaun portal.
  2. Navigate to the “Withdrawal” section.
  3. Click on “Withdrawal History” to see the status of your recent applications (e.g., “Submitted,” “Processing,” “Approved”).

For Employers: Ensuring Statutory Compliance for EPF Contributions

For business owners and HR managers, ensuring accurate and timely EPF contributions is a legal requirement. Managing different contribution rates and submission deadlines can be complex.

Automating Contributions with an HR System

Using a modern human resource management system is the most effective way to handle statutory obligations. A reliable HRMS like Worksy automatically calculates the correct EPF, SOCSO, and PCB contributions for each employee based on the latest regulations. This eliminates manual errors and ensures your business remains compliant with Malaysian law, freeing up HR teams to focus on more strategic tasks.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There is no limit on the number of times you can withdraw from Akaun Fleksibel, as long as there are funds available in the account.

The main pro is immediate access to cash for emergencies. However, the con is that frequent withdrawals will reduce your overall retirement savings and the potential for dividend earnings.

For online withdrawals like Akaun Fleksibel, no documents are needed. For others, like housing or education, you will need supporting documents such as your IC, bank statement, and relevant letters (e.g., offer letter, loan agreement). For a full list, refer to the official KWSP website.

The easiest way is through the KWSP i-Akaun portal or mobile app. Go to the “Withdrawal” section and view your “Withdrawal History” for real-time updates.


Conclusion: Withdraw Your EPF Funds with Confidence

The EPF withdrawal process, especially with the new 3-account structure, is designed to provide both long-term security and short-term flexibility. By understanding how each account works and following the online steps, you can manage your funds effectively.

For businesses, maintaining compliance is simple with the right tools. A powerful HR software solution like Worksy can automate payroll and statutory contributions, ensuring you and your employees are always protected.