![[UPDATED] Gig Workers Bill to be tabled during upcoming Dewan Rakyat sitting](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F180224PHailing01_1746066892.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] Gig Workers Bill to be tabled during upcoming Dewan Rakyat sitting
KUALA LUMPUR: The Gig Workers Bill will be tabled during the upcoming Dewan Rakyat sitting, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
In his keynote address at today's National Labour Day Celebration, Sim said that the government had completed the draft bill after conducting a study, consultation, and engagement sessions with 3,000 stakeholders.
"To gig workers, the government hears your concern. You have also been given empty promises for years.
"The government has also changed many times, yet the hopes of gig workers for proper labour protection have remained unfulfilled.
"However, under the leadership of PMX (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), the government has finally completed a historic draft of the bill," he said.
Present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, both Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Sim also urged all parties to not halt the bill enactment, to ensure the rights and welfare of gig workers are beingprotected.
"As such, I urge all parties not to stand in the way of the government's efforts to protect gig workers.
"Give your support to the government in tabling the bill in the upcoming Parliament session, for the sake of safeguarding the rights and welfare of our gig workers," he said.
In March, Sim said the bill, once given the Dewan Rakyat nod, would provide crucial social security protection for gig industry workers.
He also said the bill would allow gig workers to receive more comprehensive protection and enhance social protection coverage for gig workers.
Through the bill, contributions will be made mandatory for all gig workers and platform companies will have a greater responsibility in ensuring their welfare.
He also said the bill encompasses four elements, including an official definition of gig workers, who were not covered under existing labour laws.
The classification will enable them to receive protection similar to employees in other sectors.
Sim had said the bill will help gig workers address income-related issues such as unregulated pricing competition, provide a dispute resolution mechanism between gig workers and platform providers, and enhance occupational safety through mandatory Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributions.
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