CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND (Use of contributions for pilgrimage to Mecca)

Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister for Labour if he will consider introducing amending legislation to allow Muslim contributors to the Central Provident Fund to utilise their contributions through the Muslim Religious Council for the purpose of performing obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca.

Mr Sia Kah Hui (for the Minister for Labour): Sir, the basic aim of the Central Provident Fund is to provide workers with some savings for the time when they retire from employment, or when they are no longer able to work. To allow withdrawal of money from the Fund, before a member has qualified for withdrawal in order to proceed on pilgrimage to Mecca, would not be consistent with the purpose for which the Fund was established.

Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi (Kampong Kembangan): (In Malay): I wish to know, Mr Speaker, Sir, whether money from this Fund can be withdrawn for other purposes?

Mr Sia Kah Hui: The various reasons why contributions to the Fund can be withdrawn are clearly stated in the Central Provident Fund Ordinance.