The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has announced a new and faster way to apply for the i-Lestari withdrawal facility. With the dedicated i-Lestari portal at ilestari.kwsp.gov.my, EPF members can apply online without having to log in to an i-Akaun and there’s no need to fill up manual forms.
The portal by EPF itself is pretty straight forward. For new i-Lestari applications, you’ll just need to provide your full name, IC number, mobile number, mailing address, your preferred withdrawal amount (RM50 to RM500) and your bank account details. For those who have applied, you may also check your applications from the same portal.
According to the page, applicants may check their status 2 days after submission. EPF will also send an SMS to your registered mobile number as a confirmation that the withdrawal has been credited.
To get started, just visit https://ilestari.kwsp.gov.my/.
This is a much easier way to withdraw up to RM500/month under the i-Lestari initiative. Previously, online applications were only limited to EPF members that have activated their i-Akaun. Email and postal applications are also accepted but it will take a longer time to process. A few days later, EPF has started offering i-Akaun registration by email but the process is very tedious as it requires proof of address and mobile number.
To recap, the withdrawal initiative was one of the measures announced by the Prime Minister to help Malaysians to reduce their financial burden during the COVID-19 outbreak. Malaysians can withdraw up to RM500/month from Account 2 for a maximum duration of 12 months (April 2020 to March 2021). The Prime Minister has urged EPF members to use the withdrawals wisely and to use it to buy necessities or to pay rent or utility bills.
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