By NumNum · Reviewed 14 October 2026 · Illustrative assumptions
Begin with contributions, not a promised return
Use a zero starting balance and RM3,000 monthly salary. An illustrative 11% employee contribution is RM330; 13% from the employer is RM390. Combined monthly contributions are RM720. These are example inputs, not a determination of your statutory rate.
One year with no assumed return
Set retirement year to next year and return to 0%. Twelve months of RM720 produce RM8,640. An extra RM100 every month adds RM1,200, giving RM9,840. This isolates the effect of saving more without investment-growth assumptions.
Then explore a longer horizon
The longer example starts with RM20,000 and runs for 20 years, using a hypothetical 5% annual return. Compare the baseline and an extra RM100 per month. The contribution difference alone is RM24,000 over 240 months; projected growth adds to it under the model. The 5% input is not an official forecast or guarantee.
Understand the calendar-year assumption
The horizon is retirement year minus the current calendar year, in whole years. Each simulated month adds contributions first, then applies annual return / 12. Saving a plan keeps that result and base year. Restoring it next year uses a shorter remaining horizon, so compare snapshots with the same base year.
What the projection cannot tell you
Salary and contribution percentages stay constant in this simplified model. It does not implement KWSP’s actual dividend accounting, statutory contribution tables, withdrawals, tax treatment or eligibility rules. Verify your actual contribution category and statement with KWSP. Keep emergency cash planning separate from retirement savings.
Load an example into the calculator
One year, 0% returnOne year, extra RM10020-year baseline20 years, extra RM100Example retirement years are based on the year you open the calculator. Save named plans to compare. Your saved plans remain unchanged.