{
  "id": 16065362,
  "title": "Govt defends mandatory 2% EPF contribution for foreign workers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/govt-defends-mandatory-2-epf-contribution-for-foreign-workers-16065362",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-22T14:57:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/22/govt-defends-mandatory-2-epf-contribution-for-foreign-workers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian government has defended the compulsory 2% contribution to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) for foreign workers, stating it ensures social security for migrants while accounting for employers' expenses. Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the 2% employer contribution, effective since October 2025, as reasonably low and part of the government's strategy to extend social protection to all workers in Malaysia, mirroring international practices. This initiative aims to provide essential savings for migrant workers who contribute to the economy, guaranteeing social protection irrespective of nationality and maintaining fairness and inclusivity in the national retirement system. According to Anwar, who is also Prime Minister, 78,129 employers had initiated the mandatory contributions for 1,754,460 foreign workers, with 67,194 employers, or 86%, being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This demonstrates the acceptance of the policy by employers, including SMEs. The government remains open to suggestions to enhance future policies and will continue monitoring the initiative's effectiveness while engaging with the SME community to ensure support reaches those in need.",
  "summary": "Finance minister says 78,129 employers have started making the contributions, of which 86% are SMEs, reflecting their acceptance of the policy.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}