EPF Dividend Exceeds 6% Reflects Economic Improvement – Ng Sze Han: Urges Malaysians to Patiently Await Beneficial Effects

(Selangor, 1st) Selangor State Executive Councillor Ng Sze Han praised the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for maintaining a high dividend rate of over 6% for two consecutive years, demonstrating that Malaysia's economy has not only improved but is steadily advancing. He called on Malaysians to remain patient and await the broad-based benefits of this economic effect to manifest.

Ng Sze Han, in charge of Selangor's investment, trade, and public transportation, said: “The EPF has just announced its 2025 dividend rate, where both conventional and Islamic savings accounts reached 6.15%, which is not far from last year’s 6.30%. This can be considered one of the best performing retirement funds in the world.”

“The EPF’s ability to pay out high interest signals that our economy has improved and is moving forward steadily! I hope the public can see the economic growth over the past years through the data, and I urge everyone to patiently wait for these effects to spread – soon, all SMEs and citizens will directly benefit.”

Ng Sze Han made this appeal during his speech at the “2026 Year of the Fire Horse Spring Grand Gathering Dinner” organized by the Selangor & Kuala Lumpur Hainan Association (Thean Hou Temple) on Saturday night (February 28), addressing attendees from various sectors.

He also mentioned Selangor’s economic and trade performance over the past two years: “In 2024, Selangor’s approved total investment amount and total trade amount have each surpassed RM100 billion and RM400 billion respectively; for the first nine months of last year, approved investments reached RM52 billion, creating over 44,000 job opportunities.”

With the upcoming full operation of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) to Port Klang by 2028, Ng Sze Han highlighted that the Selangor state government is not merely waiting for results, but is proactively planning and leveraging the ECRL’s advantages to support Selangor’s economic development.

“This includes building an inland port at Serendah, and adding warehouse facilities at Port Klang to align with the economic benefits brought by the ECRL.”

Regarding tourism in the Klang Valley, he also expressed his belief that with the launching of the “Malaysia Tourism Year” plan this year, the country will welcome more foreign tourists, and popular attractions in the Klang Valley such as Thean Hou Temple should be well-prepared for the expected surge in visitors.

In addition, Foo Hooi Teck, President of the Selangor & KL Hainan Association, said in his speech that the Association has invested heavily this year to upgrade Thean Hou Temple’s facilities. In addition to an electronic parking system, high-quality plum blossom lanterns have been purchased to make Thean Hou Temple an even better attraction.

“All our efforts are aimed at driving continuous improvement of Thean Hou Temple. Along the way, there may be differing opinions and feedback, but I firmly believe everyone’s intentions come from care and high expectations. I hope we can continue to improve year after year.”

“With the arrival of Malaysia Tourism Year, we will continue to promote Chinese traditional culture and customs, organize folk activities, and shoulder the mission of showcasing Malaysia’s reputation, so that more visitors can experience the unique cultural characteristics of our country.”

Later at the dinner, the organizers arranged for a series of spectacular performances, including Hainan opera, Chinese orchestra, acrobatics, and the outdoor “Dragon and Phoenix Flying” visual arts performance.

Distinguished guests present at the dinner included Wang Jun, First Secretary at the Embassy of China in Malaysia; Jessica, First Secretary at the British High Commission in Malaysia; former Selangor State Executive Councillor Dato' Teng Chang Khim; Deputy President of the National Hainan Association Dato' Tan Chuan Cheng; Chairman of Kuala Lumpur Kwong Tong Cemetery Yang Pak Yew; Deputy President of the Selangor & KL Hainan Association Dato' Sri Foo Chee Keong; Vice-President Mo Man Kim; Gala Dinner Committee Chair Chu Yun Chee; legal advisers Dato' Lim Hong Cheong and Tan Che Yuk; General Assembly Speaker Datin Chew Mei Fun; and Deputy Speaker Lee Soh Wah.