Time Required
10–15 min (online)
⚠ If you have no EPF nomination: When you die, your EPF savings are NOT automatically distributed to your family. They must go through the Public Trust Corporation (Amanah Raya Berhad) as an estate — a process that can take years and incur legal fees. Nominating now takes 10 minutes and prevents this.
What Is an EPF Nomination?
An EPF (KWSP) nomination is your written instruction to EPF on who should receive your savings when you die. It is NOT the same as a will — EPF nominations override your will for EPF savings specifically.
For non-Muslims: your nominee receives your EPF savings as a trustee — they must distribute the funds according to your will or the Distribution Act 1958. The nominee is not the legal owner.
For Muslims: as of 2017, EPF nominations for Muslims are hibah (gift) — meaning the nominee receives the funds as their own property, not as a trustee. This takes priority over faraid (Islamic inheritance law) for EPF savings only.
Who Can Be a Nominee?
Any individual can be a nominee — there is no restriction to family members only. You can nominate:
- Spouse — most common choice
- Children — including adopted children (must provide adoption certificate)
- Parents or siblings
- Any individual you trust — friend, relative, or caregiver
You can nominate up to 4 nominees and split the percentage as you wish, as long as it totals 100%.
For nominees below 18: EPF will hold the funds until the minor turns 18. Alternatively, you can appoint a trustee (e.g. the minor's other parent) to receive the funds on the minor's behalf.
Step-by-Step: Update Nomination via i-Akaun (Online)
- Log in to i-Akaun Member. Go to i.kwsp.gov.my and sign in with your username and password. First time? Register online with your MyKad number, EPF member number, and your registered mobile number for TAC verification.
- Navigate to Nomination. From the i-Akaun dashboard, select Profile from the top menu, then click Nomination (Penama).
- Review existing nominees (if any). You'll see your current nomination status. If this is your first time, the list will be empty.
- Click "Update Nomination" (Kemaskini Penama). This opens the nomination form.
- Enter nominee details. For each nominee, fill in:
- Full name (as per MyKad/passport)
- MyKad or passport number
- Date of birth
- Relationship to you
- Percentage of savings (all nominees must total 100%)
- If nominating a minor: trustee's details
- Submit and enter TAC. Review all details carefully, then click Submit. A TAC will be sent to your registered mobile number — enter it to confirm.
- Download your nomination confirmation. Save or screenshot the confirmation page. EPF does not mail physical confirmation letters.
Update Nomination at an EPF Branch (Walk-In)
If you prefer to update in person, or if you are registering your first nomination for a minor nominee with a trustee:
- Your MyKad (original)
- Nominee's MyKad or birth certificate (for children under 12)
- EPF Nomination Form (KWSP 4 — available at the branch or downloadable from kwsp.gov.my)
- Adoption certificate — if nominating an adopted child
- Trustee's MyKad — if nominee is a minor and you are appointing a trustee
Processing is usually completed on the same day at the branch. Bring photocopies of all documents.
What Happens If You Don't Nominate
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|
| You have a valid EPF nomination | Nominee receives funds directly from EPF — usually within weeks |
| No nomination — estate below RM2,500 | EPF pays to next of kin directly |
| No nomination — estate RM2,500–RM600,000 | Must apply through Amanah Raya Berhad (ARB) — months to years, fees apply |
| No nomination — estate above RM600,000 | Must go through High Court probate — expensive and slow |
Common misconception: Many people think their EPF savings go automatically to their spouse. Without a nomination, there is no automatic transfer — your family must apply through the estate process regardless of your relationship to the deceased.
When to Update Your Nomination
- After getting married — add your spouse as nominee
- After having a child — add the child and update percentages
- After a divorce — remove your ex-spouse
- After the death of a nominee — update immediately or EPF distributes to surviving nominees proportionally
- Every few years — review to ensure your wishes still reflect your current situation
Pro Tips — What Most People Miss
- Check your nomination status now. Log in to i-Akaun → Profile → Nomination. Many people have never nominated — including those who've been contributing for decades.
- EPF nomination vs will — both matter. Your EPF nomination only covers EPF savings. Your bank accounts, property, and other assets need a separate will. Don't assume they're the same.
- Non-Muslims: your nominee is a trustee, not a beneficiary. They must distribute your EPF savings according to your will or the Distribution Act 1958. Make sure your will is up to date and consistent with your wishes.
- Muslims: EPF nomination is hibah. Funds go directly to the nominee as their own property — not split under faraid. If you want faraid distribution, do not make an EPF nomination.
- Keep it updated after life events. A nomination made before a divorce still names your ex-spouse. Update it immediately after major life changes.
- Print or screenshot your confirmation. Inform your family where the confirmation is stored and your EPF member number — it makes the claims process far smoother for your nominees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate a non-family member?
Yes. There is no restriction on who you can nominate — you can name anyone you trust, including friends or non-relatives. However, for non-Muslims, the nominee still acts as a trustee and must distribute the funds per your will or the Distribution Act 1958. For Muslims, the nominee receives the funds as their own property (hibah).
What if my nominee dies before me?
If a nominee dies before you, that nomination lapses for that person. The remaining nominees receive a proportional share. If all nominees predecease you and you have not updated your nomination, your savings will be treated as having no nomination and go through the estate process. Always update your nomination after a nominee's passing.
Does a will override an EPF nomination?
No — for Muslims, the EPF nomination (hibah) overrides your will and faraid for EPF savings. For non-Muslims, the nominee receives the funds as a trustee and must follow the will or the Distribution Act 1958, but the funds bypass probate and are paid out quickly. The nomination does not prevent EPF from paying out — it only determines who receives the funds first.
How does the nominee claim the EPF savings after death?
The nominee should visit any EPF branch with: the deceased's death certificate, the nominee's own MyKad, the deceased's EPF member number (or MyKad), and a copy of the EPF nomination confirmation (helpful but not strictly required). EPF will verify the nomination on their system and process the payment. For smaller estates this is typically completed within a few weeks.
Can I nominate more than one person?
Yes, you can nominate up to 4 nominees and allocate a percentage to each. Percentages must add up to exactly 100%. For example: 60% to spouse, 20% to first child, 20% to second child.
Does an EPF nomination need to be witnessed or notarised?
No. Online nominations via i-Akaun are confirmed via TAC (SMS one-time password). Walk-in nominations at an EPF branch are signed in front of an EPF officer who acts as witness — no notarisation or commissioner of oaths is required.
What if the nominee is overseas or a foreigner?
Foreign nationals can be nominated, but EPF will pay out in Malaysian Ringgit. The nominee must present a valid passport and may need to visit an EPF branch in Malaysia to complete the claim process. International transfers may involve additional steps at the recipient's bank.
Related Guides
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EPF (KWSP) Complete Guide
3-account structure, contribution rates, Akaun Fleksibel withdrawals, and dividends explained.
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KWSP Akaun Fleksibel Withdrawal
How to withdraw from EPF Akaun 3 — minimum RM50, once per month, 1–3 day processing.
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Making a Will in Malaysia
Your EPF nomination covers EPF only. A will covers everything else — property, bank accounts, other assets.
💰
EPF i-Akaun Complete Guide
Register, check balance, update details, and manage your KWSP account online.
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⚠ Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. EPF nomination rules differ for Muslims and non-Muslims. Always verify current rules at kwsp.gov.my or consult a licensed legal or financial adviser. Last reviewed: March 2026.