HC Deb 30 July 1952 vol 504 cc132-3W
Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies with regard to the Employees' Provident Fund which came into operation in the Federation of Malaya on 1st July, the contributions paid and the benefits to be received; and what sections of workers were excluded.

Mr. Lyttelton

pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 23rd July; Vol. 504, c. 515] supplied the following further information: The Fund, which was set up under the Federation of Malaya Employees' Provident Fund Ordinance (a copy of which has been placed in the Library) is administered by a Board consisting of six Government representatives, six employers' and six employees' representatives, all appointed by the High Commissioner. Employees' rates of contributions, which are laid down in the Ordinance, vary from a minimum of $1.50, when the monthly wage is between 10 and 30 dollars, to a maximum of 20 dollars when the monthly wage is between 380 and 400 dollars. The employer pays an equal amount. Contributions with accrued interest can be withdrawn in a lump sum: if the employee (a) dies, (b) reaches the age of 55, (c) is on medical evidence incapable of working and likely to remain so, (d) is about to leave the Federation with no intention of returning, (e) has ceased to be an employee for a period of at least two years and is not likely to be again an employee. The sum withdrawn is limited to the employee's own contributions (plus interest) if he has paid fewer than 60 contributions and comes under (d) or (e) above. The Board has power under the scheme to exempt from its operations employees covered by approved funds, these being schemes (including pensions schemes for employees of the Federation or State Governments) for the benefit of employees which, in the opinion of the Board, provide benefits not less favourable than those given under the Board's Fund. The employees covered by the scheme are defined as being persons over 16 employed under contract of service in scheduled employment, whose monthly remuneration does not exceed $400 when they become liable to pay contributions. Scheduled employment covers work on any estate over 25 acres; employment in mining, road transport, manufacturing establishments or the loading and unloading of goods, where at least 10 persons are employed; work in offices, shops, restaurants or theatres where at least five persons are employed; work as a registered teacher; and employment with the Federation or a State Government, with a municipality or harbour board or with the Central Electricity Board.