A Meaningful Gift for Every Newborn in Sarawak
The Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS), introduced by the Sarawak government in 2019, has become a much-anticipated welcome gift for many families. Eligible newborns receive RM1,000 in savings at birth to help support their future education or personal development.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the EFS, the following conditions must be met:
• The child must be a Malaysian citizen
• At least one parent must hold a Sarawak identity card (MyKad with the letter “K” on the back) or have Sarawak residency
• The child can be born in Sarawak, another state, or overseas, as long as the parents meet the eligibility criteria
• Legally adopted children can also apply, with valid adoption documents
Applications must be submitted at the time of birth registration or within one year of the child’s birth.
How Does the Fund Work?
For children born between 2019 and 2024, the savings are managed by Bank Islam and offer a fixed annual return of about 4.2%.
Starting in 2025, the Sarawak government launched EFS 2.0, which enhances the structure of the fund:
• RM550 is placed in an Affin Islamic Term Deposit-i (around 3.40% annual return)
• RM450 is saved in an Affin Emas Account-i (a gold savings account with an average return of about 8.98%)
• An additional RM10,000 one-year personal accident insurance is provided to the parents for added protection
As of the end of May 2025, more than 136,000 babies have benefited from the EFS, with total savings reaching RM136 million. This shows strong support from the public for the program.
How to Apply?
The application process is simple:
1. Apply during birth registration or within one year of the child’s birth
2. Prepare the following documents:
• The baby’s birth certificate
• Identity card of at least one Sarawakian parent
• Legal adoption documents, if applicable
3. Submit the application at:
• Any National Registration Department (JPN) office in Sarawak
• For births outside Sarawak (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Labuan, or overseas), apply at the local JPN or Malaysian embassy, then send the verified documents to Sarawak
You can also check your application status and handle parts of the process online via the iSarawakCare platform.
When Can the Funds Be Withdrawn?
The savings can be withdrawn when the child reaches 18 years old. It is meant for education, business startup, or other personal growth plans.
In the unfortunate event of the child’s passing before age 18, the family may apply to withdraw the funds for funeral expenses.
A Commitment to the Next Generation
The Sarawak government views EFS not just as a financial incentive but as a long-term investment in the future of every Sarawak-born child. Regardless of income level, every child deserves a fair start in life.
At a time when living costs are rising, this policy offers real support for families and gives each newborn a head start with their own savings.
If you’re planning to apply, be sure to prepare your documents early and stay updated with official announcements to avoid missing out on this valuable benefit.
What is EFS?
The Endowment Fund Sarawak is a savings scheme created by the Sarawak government for newborns in Sarawakian families. Since 2019, all eligible babies are given RM1,000, which is placed in a dedicated account set up by the government. This amount is managed or invested by appointed institutions and can only be withdrawn when the child turns 18. The goal is to help fund higher education, start a business, or provide support as the child enters adulthood.
