THE Fiji National Provident Fund CEO Jaoji Koroi has called on members to consider other relief measures announced in the COVID-19 Response Budget before thinking about accessing their retirement funds.
He also pleaded with members not to withdraw their funds.
“Members must remember that the fund is a retirement savings scheme,” he said.
“We will continue to encourage members to exhaust other relief options and those members whose hours or wages have not been affected, please do not withdraw your funds.”
Mr Koroi said hard decisions need to be made by the fund if the pandemic was prolonged.
“This pandemic is different from natural disasters because countries, including Fiji, have closed their borders restricting travel and trade.
“Hard decisions have to be made because the financial impact of the pandemic will be felt for a long time and if it is prolonged, then the fund would have to consider other assistance options that members can access.”