Lianhe ZaoBao, 17 October
General, Pg 21
We thank Ms Chen Ya Wen for her letter on CPF contributions for part-time workers ("Is it illegal for employers to not make CPF contributions for part-time employees?", 12 October 2023). We are aware of Ms Tan’s situation and had reached out to assist her last month upon learning of her circumstances.
Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions are payable for all employees, including part-time and casual workers, who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents earning more than $50 a month.
Employees should request for a copy of their employment contract containing details of basic key employment terms such as working hours, leave benefits, salary period etc. If the terms and conditions of employment are unclear, the worker should seek clarifications before accepting the job offer.
Employers have a legal obligation to pay CPF contributions correctly and promptly for their employees. They can do so conveniently online via CPF EZPay or the CPF EZPay Mobile app. The CPF Board takes a serious view on employers who do not fulfil their CPF obligations where non-compliance may be subject to penalties and prosecution.
The CPF Board also has multiple channels to identify non-compliant employers. Besides conducting compliance checks on employers, the Board also investigates cases lodged by employees or whistle-blowers on late payment, non-payment or underpayment of CPF contributions.
The public can make a report via the CPF website, call 1800-221-9922 or email MOM_LRWD@mom.gov.sg to report on CPF and/or Employment Act (EA) related claims.
To raise awareness among employees and employers of their CPF and employment rights and obligations, annual educational campaigns through media publicity and on-ground roadshows are organised under the Workright initiative by Ministry of Manpower and CPF Board.
Chee Sok Lin
Group Director, Employer Collections & Enforcement Group
Central Provident Fund Board
