Since October 2025 wages, employers must contribute to EPF (KWSP) for non-citizen employees. So your payslip has an EPF deduction, and that money builds up in your name. The most common question: "When I go home, how do I get it?" This article explains the general route in plain language.
Information as of 30 Oct 2026. We could not open kwsp.gov.my (the server refused us), so the steps below come from news reports and employer guides. Rules and forms can change. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with EPF before you act.
Quick summary
- Mandatory contributions start from October 2025 wages. The rate is 2% from the employee and 2% from the employer. Domestic workers are excluded (Human Resources Online, Skrine).
- The Prime Minister told the Dewan Rakyat (March 2025) that foreign workers must show a record of leaving the country before they can withdraw their contributions (RTM, Bernama).
- According to an employer guide, you apply yourself. Your employer cannot apply or move the money for you (Panda HRMS).
How many people, and are the rules changing?
In a written parliamentary reply on 22 Oct 2026, 78,129 employers were reported to have contributed for 1,754,460 non-Malaysian workers (NST, Malay Mail).
On 30 Oct 2026, Malay Mail reported that a Member of Parliament asked for existing foreign workers to be exempted from mandatory contributions. That is only a request. The current rule has not changed according to that report, so your deductions continue as normal. If there is an official change, we will update this article.
When can you withdraw?
The withdrawal for foreign workers who go home is the "Leaving the Country" type. Human Resources Online (July 2026) advises workers to apply as early as possible after getting the Check-Out Memo or after the work pass is cancelled, so it is finished before departure (Human Resources Online).
The Panda HRMS guide instead says to apply within two months before the permit expires, while you are still in Malaysia. Applying after you have already left is described as more troublesome. The two guides differ a little, so ask EPF what timing suits your case.
Also remember: the condition the Prime Minister described is a record that you are leaving the country. So do not expect to take this money out in the middle of your contract. If you need money urgently, check with EPF first.
General steps
- Know your EPF member number. Ask your employer or check your payslip. See also payslip deductions explained.
- Employer cancels your work pass properly. That gives you the Check-Out Memo, which is proof that you left. Without it you will struggle to fix things yourself (Panda HRMS).
- Make sure your last month's contribution was paid. Ask your employer whether it has been credited.
- Passport name must match the bank account name. If they differ, payment can be blocked (Panda HRMS, Human Resources Online).
- Do not close your Malaysian bank account until every payment has arrived (Panda HRMS, Human Resources Online).
- Apply yourself through EPF's channels. Bring your passport and documents such as the check-out memo or a resignation letter. The exact document list and form number differ between sources, so follow the list on the EPF website or the one given at the counter.
- Give a phone number that works from abroad, because Malaysian numbers often stop working after you go home (Panda HRMS).
How long until the money arrives? The guides we read give no fixed time. Leave plenty of time and do not wait until your last day.
What to do and who to contact
| Situation | What to do | |---|---| | Do not know your EPF number | Ask your employer or the payroll section | | Contract ending soon | Ask when your pass will be cancelled and when the check-out memo will be ready | | Passport name differs from bank name | Fix it first. See passport problems | | No contribution on your payslip | Ask your employer, then EPF. For wage problems, see JTK Johor Bahru | | Want to send money home legally | Read salary into a bank account and sending money home |
For official questions, see the EPF website or visit the nearest EPF counter with your passport.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until you are back home. It is harder to handle from abroad.
- Closing your bank account too early. The payment can fail.
- Bank name not matching your passport.
- Trusting anyone who charges a fee to "arrange" your EPF money. You are the applicant. Be careful with anyone asking for upfront payment or your account password.
- Assuming your employer will apply for you. According to the employer guide, they cannot.
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FAQ
Is EPF mandatory for foreign workers? Yes, from October 2025 wages, at 2% from the employee and 2% from the employer. Domestic workers are excluded.
Can I take out my EPF while still working in Malaysia? According to the Prime Minister's statement, withdrawal requires a record of leaving the country. Confirm with EPF which withdrawal type you qualify for.
Who applies for the withdrawal, me or my employer? You do. Your employer helps, for example by cancelling the pass and providing documents (Panda HRMS).
When should I apply? Sources differ: as soon as you get the check-out memo or the pass is cancelled, or within two months before the permit expires. Ask EPF, and do not wait until you have already left.
Sources
- RTM, Prime Minister's statement on EPF contributions for foreign workers (4 Mar 2025) (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- Bernama, EPF contribution for foreign workers (4 Mar 2025) (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- Human Resources Online, mandatory EPF for non-Malaysian employees (3 Oct 2025) (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- Human Resources Online, employers urged to support EPF withdrawals (10 Jul 2026) (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- Panda HRMS, EPF withdrawal for non-Malaysian employees leaving Malaysia (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- Skrine, EPF rate fixed at 2% (Mar 2025) (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- NST, 2pc EPF contribution rate for foreign workers (22 Oct 2026) (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- Malay Mail, SMEs oppose mandatory EPF for foreign workers (30 Oct 2026) (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- EPF website (could not be opened during checking; refer to it for current conditions and forms)
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