Budget 2027: Automatic EPF registration as early as age 18

In a significant move to bolster the national social protection system, Malaysia's government announced that all citizens will be automatically enrolled in the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) upon turning 18 years old. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed this initiative, stating it aims to encourage early retirement savings.

EPF members aged 55 and 60 will have the option to participate in the i-Emas scheme, which allows them to receive monthly withdrawals from their remaining savings, which remain within the EPF structure. These funds can then be utilized to generate dividends.

The government also proposes to exempt first-time homebuyers from stamp duties on properties valued up to RM500,000. For homes priced up to RM750,000, the exemption is a full RM500,000 with a 50% discount on the remaining balance. This exemption is applicable to property transactions executed between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2030.

To aid in the goal of eliminating abandoned housing projects by 2030, a full stamp duty exemption is granted on loan agreements and transfer documents signed by rescue contractors or developers, as well as the original buyers. This exemption is also in effect from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2030.