EPF i-Saraan 2026: 20% Incentive up to RM500 a Year, Who Qualifies and How to Contribute
Last verified: 31 October 2026. Short answer: i-Saraan is EPF's voluntary contribution scheme for self-employed and gig workers. The Government adds a special incentive of 20% of what you contribute in the year, up to RM500 a year, with a lifetime limit of RM5,000 or until you turn 60, whichever comes first [EPF]. You must be a Malaysian EPF member below 60 [EPF]. Contributing RM2,500 in a year earns the full RM500 [EPF]. You can register and pay in the KWSP i-Akaun app [EPF].
Talreon is not an official government site. We are an independent publisher and are not affiliated with EPF (KWSP, the Employees Provident Fund). This page explains the process in our own words; the agency's own website and notices are the final word. Educational information only; not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.
Who can register
- Registered EPF member [EPF].
- Malaysian citizen [EPF].
- Below 60 years of age; members aged 55 to 59 can still register [EPF].
- Self-employed with no fixed income, a gig economy worker, or a civil servant under the pension scheme. Serving military members who are EPF members can also apply [EPF].
How the 20% incentive works
The incentive is 20% of your total voluntary contributions in the current year, capped at RM500 a year [EPF]. The rate was raised from 15% to 20%, but the RM500 yearly and RM5,000 lifetime caps did not change [EPF]. The lifetime limit counts incentives received from 2024 onwards [EPF].
| Your contributions in the year | Incentive (20%, max RM500) |
|---|---|
| RM1,000 | RM200 [EPF] |
| RM2,500 | RM500 [EPF] |
| RM5,000 | RM500 (cap reached) [EPF] |
Example from EPF: a member who received RM500 in both 2024 and 2025 has used RM1,000 of the lifetime limit and can still receive RM4,000 [EPF]. The incentive is credited twice a year, once EPF receives the Government payment [EPF].
Step 1: register for i-Saraan
- KWSP i-Akaun app or the i-Saraan online registration on the EPF website [EPF].
- Self-Service Terminal (SST) at an EPF office, with your MyKad [EPF].
- EPF counter: fill in form KWSP 16G (M) and bring your MyKad [EPF].
Step 2: make a contribution
The minimum is RM1 (depending on the channel) and the maximum is RM100,000 a year. That RM100,000 is a combined cap across all voluntary contributions, including i-Simpan, i-Saraan, i-Saraan Plus, i-Suri and Akaun Persaraan top-ups [EPF].
- KWSP i-Akaun app or i-Akaun (Member) portal: one-off payments or recurring Auto Simpan [EPF].
- Internet banking with participating banks such as Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB, Hong Leong, AmBank, BSN, Bank Islam, Bank Muamalat, Alliance Bank and MBSB [EPF].
- Bank agent counters (BSN, Maybank, Public Bank, RHB) with form KWSP 6A (2). Cheques are payable to KUMPULAN WANG SIMPANAN PEKERJA, with your EPF number, contribution month and phone number on the back [EPF].
- Debit card at an SST or through the EPF Mobile Team / Relationship & Advisory service [EPF].
Electronic payments reach your account within 3 working days; other channels take up to 7 working days [EPF].
Set up Auto Simpan (monthly)
- Log in to the KWSP i-Akaun app or i-Akaun (Member) portal [EPF].
- On Home, open the Savings tab and tap "Increase Your Savings" [EPF].
- Choose "Activate Auto Simpan" and tap Continue [EPF].
- Set the amount and monthly deduction date, then pick your bank [EPF].
- Confirm, accept the terms, and authorise the DuitNow AutoDebit in your bank [EPF].
Where the money goes
Below 55, contributions are split 75% to Akaun Persaraan (Account 1), 15% to Akaun Sejahtera (Account 2) and 10% to Akaun Fleksibel (Account 3), and the incentive goes to Account 1 [EPF]. From 55, contributions and the incentive go to Akaun Emas, which can only be withdrawn from age 60 [EPF]. Contributions are final and cannot be refunded, so check the details before paying [EPF]. Tax relief may also apply, subject to LHDN rules [EPF]; see our tax relief checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to contribute to get the full RM500?
At least RM2,500 in the year. The incentive is 20% of your contributions, capped at RM500 a year.
Is there a lifetime limit?
Yes. RM5,000 in total, or until you turn 60, whichever comes first, counted from 2024.
Can I join after 55?
Yes, if you are below 60. Contributions after 55 go to Akaun Emas and can be withdrawn from 60.
Can I get my contribution back?
No. EPF says all i-Saraan contributions are final and cannot be refunded.
When is the incentive credited?
Twice a year, after EPF receives the payment from the Government.
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Official sources
Figures and steps on this page were checked against the linked official pages on 31 October 2026. Read our editorial and review process and figures update log. Spotted something out of date? Email support@talreon.com with the page address.
Educational information only; not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.