The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has delivered consistent returns to Malaysian contributors since 1951. Here is the complete dividend history from 1983 to 2026, plus how EPF returns compare to alternative investments.
EPF Conventional Dividend History (Selected Years)
| Year | Conventional Dividend | Syariah Dividend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5.50%* | 5.40%* |
| 2025 | 5.50% | 5.40% |
| 2024 | 5.50% | 5.40% |
| 2023 | 5.50% | 5.40% |
| 2022 | 5.35% | 4.75% |
| 2021 | 6.10% | 5.65% |
| 2020 | 5.20% | 4.90% |
| 2019 | 5.45% | 5.00% |
| 2018 | 6.15% | 5.90% |
| 2017 | 6.90% | 6.40% |
| 2015 | 6.40% | 6.40% |
| 2010 | 5.80% | — |
| 2000 | 6.00% | — |
*2026 estimate pending official announcement
Why EPF Dividends Are So Reliable
EPF invests in a diversified portfolio of equities, fixed income, real estate, and infrastructure globally. By law, EPF must pay a minimum 2.5% dividend. In practice, the fund has exceeded this minimum every year since inception due to prudent management and massive scale (RM1.1+ trillion in assets).
EPF vs Other Savings Vehicles
Over the past 10 years, EPF at 5.5% average outperforms fixed deposits (3.5%), ASB (6.0% average, Bumiputera only), and the KLCI index (6.2% total return but with higher volatility).
Voluntary EPF Contributions
You can make voluntary contributions above the mandatory 11% (employee share) up to the maximum RM60,000 per year for self-contribution. These attract the same dividend rate and enjoy full tax relief up to RM4,000 per year.
Model your EPF growth with our 🎯 Retirement Calculator.