The Employees Provident Fund’s investment income surged 48% to RM57.5bil in the first half of 2026, compared with RM38.92bil in the same period last year.
The retirement fund said the 1H26 figure included unrealised mark-to-market gains and losses on securities, mainly arising from foreign exchange fluctuations.
As in previous years, EPF said such unrealised gains and losses are not distributable as dividends.
Total investment income for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026 rose 44% to RM29.77bil, from RM20.61bil in the corresponding quarter last year.
Global equity markets drive gains
Chief executive officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn said EPF had capitalised on strong global equity markets while maintaining a disciplined, long-term investment approach.
He said the fund continued to front-load income during the second quarter as market and geopolitical risks remained elevated.
‘While equity markets have supported performance in the first half of the year, members should temper expectations as such market opportunities may not repeat themselves in the second half of the year.
‘Our focus remains on delivering sustainable long-term returns, backed by a resilient portfolio,’ he said.
Equities remained the largest contributor to EPF’s investment income in 2Q26, generating RM20.94bil, up 52% from RM13.77bil a year earlier.
The asset class accounted for 70% of total quarterly investment income, benefiting from the recovery in global equity markets, easing concerns over energy prices and continued confidence in the artificial intelligence investment cycle.
Fixed-income instruments contributed RM6.91bil, accounting for 23% of quarterly investment income. Real estate and infrastructure generated RM1.30bil, while money market instruments contributed RM620mil.
Overseas investments contribute strongly
As at the end of June, EPF’s total investment assets stood at RM1.54 trillion, with 39% invested overseas.
International investments generated RM19.29bil during the second quarter, accounting for 65% of total investment income.
Investment income attributable to Simpanan Konvensional stood at RM24.16bil in 2Q26, while Simpanan Shariah generated RM5.61bil.
Membership and contributions continue to grow
EPF’s membership also continued to expand, with 441,846 new members registered during the first half of 2026, up 52.9% from 288,938 in the corresponding period last year.
Total membership rose 12.6% to nearly 18.5 million, while active membership increased 21.9% to 10.95 million.
The number of active employers increased 4.1% to 645,207 as at June, while 37,265 new employers were registered during the first half.
EPF said total contributions rose 8.5% to RM33.87bil in 2Q26, from RM31.21bil a year earlier.
Voluntary contributions reached RM14.15bil in the first half of 2026, while contributions under the i-Saraan programme grew 15.7% to RM1.33bil.
The number of Malaysian formal-sector members contributing above the statutory rate through i-Topup rose 13.9% year-on-year to nearly 204,450 in 1H26.
