The 3-Account Structure: Which Account Can You Touch?
Since 2024, EPF restructured from Account 1 (70%) and Account 2 (30%) to three accounts with different accessibility levels:
75%
Akaun Persaraan
Locked until 55
15%
Akaun Sejahtera
Conditional access
10%
Akaun Fleksibel
Any time
Withdrawal Types at a Glance
| Account | When | Purpose | How to Apply | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akaun Fleksibel (10%) | Any time | Any purpose | i-Akaun app or EPF branch | 3-month holding period from contribution date. Typically processed within 3–5 working days. |
| Akaun Sejahtera (15%) | Pre-retirement (conditional) | Housing, education, healthcare, hajj | i-Akaun app or EPF branch (documents required) | Each purpose has separate eligibility conditions. Property must be first or second residential purchase. |
| Akaun Persaraan (75%) | Age 55 | Any purpose (retirement) | EPF branch or i-Akaun at 55 | Full withdrawal or phased withdrawal available. Balance continues earning dividends if left in account. |
| All accounts | Age 60 / death / incapacitation / emigration | Any purpose | EPF branch | Full balance withdrawable. For death, paid to nominee. |
Akaun Fleksibel: The New Any-Time Withdrawal
Introduced with the 2024 restructuring, Akaun Fleksibel (10% of all contributions) can be withdrawn at any time, for any purpose, with no documentation required beyond identity verification. This addresses a long-standing complaint that EPF was completely inaccessible for emergencies before retirement.
Important conditions:
- A minimum of 3 months must pass from the contribution date before that amount can be withdrawn from Akaun Fleksibel.
- Minimum withdrawal amount is RM50.
- Withdrawals are processed via the i-Akaun app (most convenient) or at any EPF branch.
- There is no limit on the number of withdrawals, but each withdrawal reduces the compounding base for retirement.
Akaun Sejahtera: Pre-Retirement Withdrawals
Akaun Sejahtera (15% of contributions) allows withdrawals before retirement age for specific approved purposes:
1. Housing Withdrawal
- Purchase of residential property (first or second property only)
- Reduce or fully redeem a housing loan
- Property under construction (staged withdrawals based on progress billing)
- Property must be registered in the member’s name. Commercial property and third properties are not eligible.
2. Education Withdrawal
- Financing a child’s education at an approved institution (diploma and above)
- Can be withdrawn in stages based on semester payment schedule
3. Medical Withdrawal
- Critical or serious illness of the member, spouse, or children
- Covers medical and surgical expenses not covered by insurance
- Dialysis, cancer treatment, and major surgeries are common qualifying conditions
4. Hajj Withdrawal
- Payment for hajj pilgrimage through Tabung Haji
- Only once in a lifetime
Retirement Withdrawal at Age 55
At age 55, Akaun Persaraan is fully unlocked. You have several options:
- Full lump sum withdrawal: Withdraw all of Akaun Persaraan at once. Tax-free.
- Partial withdrawal + leave remainder: Withdraw part and let the balance continue earning dividends until age 60 or beyond.
- Monthly dividend payout: Leave the full balance in EPF and receive monthly dividend payments — EPF will calculate a monthly payout based on your balance and current dividend rate.
- EPF Annuity Scheme: Purchase an annuity product through EPF’s approved partners for guaranteed monthly lifetime income.
There is no obligation to withdraw at 55. Many Malaysians leave their balance in EPF after 55 to continue earning the dividend rate (typically 5–6%), especially if they do not immediately need the funds.
Death, Incapacitation, and Emigration
- Death: The full EPF balance is paid to the registered nominee(s) directly without going through the estate. Nominating beneficiaries via i-Akaun is strongly recommended.
- Incapacitation: If you are permanently incapacitated (unable to work), you can withdraw all EPF savings regardless of age.
- Permanent emigration: Full withdrawal available for Malaysians renouncing citizenship or non-citizens permanently leaving Malaysia.
Should You Withdraw From EPF?
Before any pre-retirement withdrawal, consider the long-term cost. Every RM10,000 withdrawn from Akaun Sejahtera at age 35 foregoes approximately RM38,000 by retirement at 55, assuming 7% annual growth (EPF dividends + compounding). Only withdraw for housing or critical needs — not for consumption or luxury purchases.
Project Your EPF Balance Before Withdrawing
See how a withdrawal today impacts your projected retirement balance using our free EPF Calculator.
EPF Calculator Malaysia →Related Guides
- EPF Contribution Guide Malaysia — rates and account structure
- How Much EPF Should I Have at 30?
- EPF Calculator Malaysia