eMPF platform strengthens MPF trustee approval after dead cancer patient failed to withdraw MPF

The eMPF platform company said it will strengthen the reporting and handling mechanism of mandatory provident fund trustees for special cases after the daughter of a man with terminal brain cancer failed to withdraw MPF before his death last month.

The daughter first applied to the MPF trustee in October last year after the man asked her to withdraw his MPF early on his behalf, but she was told that she would not be able to apply until the transition was completed to the eMPF platform in November. She later followed the instructions of the company's staff member and submitted a medical certificate to prove that the patient could not sign, but was ultimately rejected.

The eMPF Platform Company expressed regret over the tragic death of its scheme member and emphasized that the staff of the customer service center had tried their best to handle the case and are currently in contact with the daughter. 

The spokesman said that they will enhance staff training, skills in handling special cases, the notification, handling, and response mechanism, and provide more appropriate and timely support to scheme members and employers with special needs according to each case. 

They added that to protect the scheme members' MPF rights, the company requires a claimant to provide documents to prove being a trustee of the estate of the scheme member for identification verification. If applicants cannot provide relevant proof of identity, the company will consult the trustee, and they may take special measures to fulfill the claimant's eligibility to claim to the extent permitted by law.