21 Feb 2021 / 20:48 H. IN weathering the unprecedented pandemic crisis which does not appear to be ending anytime soon, people are trying to search for all avenues to make ends meet. This includes the decision to use up savings under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) which have been reserved for retirement. Although it is undeniable that empathy for the unfortunate is crucial during these trying times, there still needs to be control or vigilance over this initiative. As known to nearly all, the idea of one-off withdrawals from EPF Account 1 started last year when it was mooted by some politicians. It was considered and announced during the tabling of Budget 2021 as i-Sinar but implemented on a targeted basis, only for those who lost their jobs – RM500 per month with a total up to RM6,000 over 12 months.