EPF Dividend 2026: Latest Rate, Announcement Date & How to Check
Every early year, millions of EPF contributors across Malaysia eagerly await the same piece of news — what is the EPF dividend rate this year?
It is hardly surprising, as the EPF dividend is the only "annual bonus" that nearly every worker in Malaysia receives. It is not just a percentage figure — it determines how much your retirement savings grow without you having to do anything.
For the financial year 2025, the dividend announcement is expected to be made in February or March 2026. In this article, we share everything you need to know — from the expected dividend rate, historical rates, how to check your account, to tips for maximising your dividend returns.
EPF Dividend 2026 Announcement Status
As of the time of writing (February 2026), the official EPF dividend announcement for the financial year 2025 has not yet been made.
Based on previous years' records, the announcement is typically made between mid-February and early March. For example, the 2024 dividend was announced on 1 March 2025.
For the latest official information, you can check directly on the EPF official website:
Note: This article will be updated as soon as the official announcement is released by EPF.
Expected EPF Dividend Rate 2026
The good news — financial analysts are optimistic that this year''s dividend will remain strong.
According to reports from Berita Harian and Utusan Malaysia, the expected dividend rate for the financial year 2025 is as follows:
| Savings Type | Expected Dividend Rate |
|---|---|
| Conventional Savings | 5.80% — 6.30% |
| Shariah Savings | 5.50% — 6.00% |
Why Are Analysts Optimistic?
There are several factors supporting this positive outlook:
- Investment income increased — For the first 9 months of 2025, EPF''s investment income reached RM63.99 billion, an 11% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
- Strong global equity performance — Major world stock markets such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq recorded strong performance throughout 2025.
- Stronger Ringgit — The strengthening of the Ringgit in the second half of 2025 also had a positive impact on EPF''s investment portfolio.
- Fund size exceeding RM1 trillion — EPF''s increasingly large fund provides economies of scale in investments.
EPF Dividend History (2017–2024)
Before we get too excited about this year''s projections, let us look at EPF''s track record over the last 8 years.
The following data is taken directly from the official EPF website:
| Year | Conventional Savings | Shariah Savings | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6.30% | 6.30% | Highest since 2017 |
| 2023 | 5.50% | 5.40% | |
| 2022 | 5.35% | 4.75% | Year of global market pressure |
| 2021 | 6.10% | 5.65% | Post-COVID recovery |
| 2020 | 5.20% | 4.90% | COVID-19 pandemic year |
| 2019 | 5.45% | 5.00% | |
| 2018 | 6.15% | 5.90% | |
| 2017 | 6.90% | 6.40% | Highest rate in this decade |
What Can We Learn From This Table?
Firstly, the EPF dividend rate is not fixed — it fluctuates based on investment performance.
Secondly, even in the worst year (2020 — pandemic), EPF still managed to deliver a 5.20% dividend — far higher than the fixed deposit interest rate offered by banks, which is typically only 2-3%.
Thirdly, the 2024 dividend at 6.30% is the highest achievement in 7 years. This shows that EPF''s investment strategy is becoming more mature and diversified.
Conventional Savings vs Shariah Savings: What Is the Difference?
Many contributors are confused about the difference between these two types of savings. Let us clarify.
Conventional Savings
- Investment portfolio covers all types of assets including equities, bonds, real estate and infrastructure
- No restrictions in terms of Shariah compliance
- Typically provides slightly higher returns
Shariah Savings
- Only invests in instruments that comply with Shariah principles
- No investments in companies involved with alcohol, gambling, usury (riba) and the like
- Returns may be slightly lower due to investment restrictions, but the gap is narrowing
Rate Difference — Increasingly Narrow
In 2022, the difference between Conventional (5.35%) and Shariah (4.75%) was quite significant — 0.60%. However, in 2024, both recorded the same rate — 6.30%. This shows that EPF is becoming more adept at managing its Shariah portfolio to produce comparable returns.
How to Switch to Shariah Savings
If you are interested in switching your savings to Shariah Savings, you can read our complete guide: How to Switch EPF Conventional to Shariah Online.
Important: Switching to Shariah Savings is permanent and cannot be reversed to Conventional. Make sure you fully understand before making your decision.
How to Check Your EPF Dividend
After the official announcement is made, you can check the dividend credited to your account through two methods:
Method 1: Via i-Akaun (Web)
- Visit i-Akaun KWSP
- Log in using your IC number and password
- Click on "Account Statement"
- Check the "Dividend Credit" section to view the dividend amount credited
Method 2: Via KWSP i-Akaun App (Mobile)
- Download the KWSP i-Akaun app from the App Store or Google Play
- Log in to your account
- Go to the "Statement" section
- The dividend amount will be displayed in the latest statement
Cannot See the Dividend Yet?
Do not panic. The dividend typically takes a few days after the official announcement to appear in i-Akaun. If it still does not appear after a week, contact EPF at 03-8922 6000.
When Is the EPF Dividend Credited to Your Account?
This is the most popular question every year — "When does the dividend come in?"
Based on previous years'' practice:
- Dividends are typically credited within 1 to 2 weeks after the official announcement
- Crediting is done directly into your EPF account — Account 1, Account 2, and Flexible Account (if applicable)
- You do not need to submit any application — it is credited automatically
How Is the Dividend Calculated?
Many people mistakenly believe that dividends are calculated based on the year-end balance. In reality, EPF calculates dividends based on the daily balance throughout the year.
This means:
- Money deposited early in the year will earn more dividends compared to money deposited at year-end
- Every withdrawal you make will reduce your daily balance, thereby reducing the dividend you receive
- Your monthly salary contributions are calculated from the date they are credited to your EPF account
Simple example: If you have a balance of RM100,000 throughout the year and the dividend rate is 6%, you will receive approximately RM6,000 as dividend. However, if you withdraw RM50,000 in July, your dividend will be lower because your daily balance is reduced for the second half of the year.
Factors Affecting the EPF Dividend Rate
Ever wondered why the dividend rate changes every year? This is because it depends on EPF''s overall investment performance. Here are the key factors:
1. Equity Market Performance
EPF invests a significant portion of its funds in the stock market — both domestically and globally. When the stock market rises, EPF''s income also increases, and this translates into higher dividends.
Want to understand more about how EPF invests in the stock market? Read our article: Why EPF Contributors Should Know About EPF''s Stock Purchases and Sales.
2. Bond and Sukuk Income
Besides equities, EPF also invests in government bonds and sukuk. These instruments provide more stable returns but are typically lower compared to equities.
3. Real Estate and Infrastructure Investments
EPF owns a large real estate portfolio including office buildings, shopping centres and infrastructure projects both domestically and internationally. Rental income and property value appreciation also contribute to dividends.
4. Global Economic Conditions
Factors such as central bank interest rates (for example, the Federal Reserve in the US), trade wars, tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty can affect EPF''s investment performance.
5. The Role of Fund Managers
EPF uses both internal and external fund managers to manage its investments. Their strategies and expertise play an important role. To understand more about who manages your money, read: What Is a Fund Manager? Meet the ''Captain'' Behind Your EPF & ASB Investments.
5 Tips to Maximise Your EPF Dividend
Although you cannot control the dividend rate, you can control how much dividend you receive through the following strategies:
1. Make Voluntary Contributions
Besides the mandatory contributions from your salary, you can make voluntary contributions to your EPF account. For those who are self-employed, the i-Saraan programme allows you to contribute voluntarily with additional government incentives.
More balance in your account = more dividends you receive.
2. Avoid Unnecessary Withdrawals
Every time you withdraw money from EPF, your daily balance decreases and this directly reduces your dividend. Think twice before making a withdrawal — especially if it is not for a truly urgent purpose.
3. Understand the Daily Balance Calculation
Since dividends are calculated based on the daily balance, the timing of withdrawals is very important. If possible, avoid withdrawals at the beginning of the year as it will reduce your dividend for the remaining months of that year.
4. Consider i-Invest for Additional Returns
EPF offers the i-Invest platform which allows you to invest a portion of your Account 1 money into approved unit trusts. This provides the potential for additional returns on top of EPF dividends.
Read our complete guide: EPF i-Invest Platform — You Can Invest in Unit Trusts Yourself.
5. Ensure Your Nominee Information Is Updated
This is not directly about dividends, but it is very important. Make sure you have nominated beneficiaries for your EPF savings so that the withdrawal process by your family members runs smoothly if something unexpected happens.
Complete guide: Why It Is Important to Nominate Beneficiaries for Your EPF.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the EPF dividend for 2026?
The official announcement has not yet been made. Analysts expect rates between 5.80% to 6.30% for Conventional Savings and 5.50% to 6.00% for Shariah Savings for the financial year 2025.
When will the EPF dividend 2026 be announced?
The announcement is expected to be made in mid-February to early March 2026, based on previous years'' records.
When will the EPF dividend be credited to my account?
Dividends are typically credited within 1 to 2 weeks after the official announcement. You do not need to apply — it is credited automatically.
How do I check my EPF dividend?
Log in to i-Akaun KWSP or through the KWSP i-Akaun app on your smartphone. Go to the Account Statement section to view the dividend credited.
Why is the Shariah Savings dividend different from Conventional?
Because the Shariah Savings investment portfolio only involves instruments that comply with Shariah principles. This restriction can limit investment opportunities, but the rate difference is narrowing year by year.
Is EPF dividend subject to tax?
No. EPF dividends are exempt from income tax in Malaysia. You receive the full amount without any tax deductions.
What happens if I switch to Shariah Savings?
Switching to Shariah Savings is permanent and irreversible. Your dividend after switching will be calculated according to the Shariah Savings rate. Read the switching guide: How to Switch EPF Conventional to Shariah Online.
Does withdrawing from EPF affect my dividend?
Yes. Dividends are calculated based on the daily balance. Every withdrawal will reduce your balance, thereby reducing the dividend amount received for the remainder of that year.
Conclusion
EPF remains the main pillar of retirement savings for Malaysians. With a consistent dividend history exceeding 5% per annum — far higher than fixed deposit interest rates offered by banks — it is one of the most important savings instruments we have.
For the financial year 2025, the dividend outlook appears positive based on EPF''s strong investment performance throughout the year. Whatever rate is announced, the most important thing is to ensure that your EPF savings continue to grow and are not withdrawn without a solid reason.
Remember — EPF is a marathon, not a sprint. Every sen that remains in your account today will multiply by the time you retire.
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References
- EPF — Resource Centre: Dividend (Official Website)
- data.gov.my — Annual EPF Dividend (Government Open Data Portal)
- Berita Harian — EPF expected to announce dividend distribution between 5.5 to 6.3 percent
- Utusan Malaysia — EPF expected to announce 2025 dividend between 5.5 to 6.3 percent
- Bernama — EPF Dividend Rate of 6.30 Percent Is the Highest in Seven Years
This article will be updated when the official EPF dividend announcement for the financial year 2025 is released.
Last updated: February 2026