Kuala Lumpur: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will implement mandatory contributions for non-Malaysian workers starting this October, as part of efforts to strengthen social protection and promote fairer employment practices in line with international standards.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the EPF announced that the new legislation mandates EPF contributions for all foreigners employed in Malaysia, except for domestic helpers with valid passports and work permits issued by the Immigration Department (JIM). The law will take effect from October 2025 salary payments, aligning with the November 2025 contribution month. Both employees and employers will contribute two percent of monthly wages.

The EPF is actively engaging with employers and key stakeholders to ensure comprehensive readiness for the new law’s implementation. Since the announcement of Budget 2025, over 30 strategic engagement sessions have been conducted. These sessions involved the Home Ministry, JIM, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, non-governmental organizations, and representatives of employers and foreign workers.

Currently, participation in the EPF scheme by non-Malaysian workers is voluntary. The decision to make EPF contributions mandatory represents a significant step towards ensuring that all workers, regardless of nationality, have access to social protection, thereby promoting equity and fairness in the labor market.

To ensure compliance, the EPF advises all employers to register their companies via the official website www.kwsp.gov.my or at any EPF office nationwide. For further enquiries, the EPF Contact and Service Advice Centre can be reached at 03-8922 6000.