Latest news with #Self-Employment
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Explainer: Malaysia's anticipated Gig Workers Bill set for tabling after delays
KUALA LUMPUR: After two postponements, Malaysia's long-anticipated Gig Workers Bill is finally set to be tabled in parliament next month, aiming to provide much-needed legal and social protections for millions of Malaysians working in the gig economy. Gig workers, such as e-hailing drivers, food delivery riders, and freelancers, are currently not covered under existing labour laws, leaving them vulnerable to inconsistent income, a lack of social security, and limited access to job-related protections or benefits. The proposed legislation will formally define who qualifies as a gig worker and set out the rights and protections they are entitled to under Malaysian law. According to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, the bill aims to ensure that gig workers receive social protection through mandatory Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributions, fair income standards, and access to training and opportunities to upskill. Currently, only 26 per cent of the 1.16 million gig workers in Malaysia are officially contributing to Perkeso through the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS), the minister said. Additionally, platform companies, such as those in delivery or ride-sharing services, will face greater obligations to safeguard the welfare of their workers. Last year, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the bill would also include provisions for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, further strengthening retirement security for gig workers. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also said the government plans to establish a dedicated commission to oversee gig workers' social protection, resolve contract disputes, and promote career advancement for gig workers in Malaysia. The draft bill was completed following a study and a series of consultation and engagement sessions with 3,000 stakeholders. It was originally scheduled for tabling in October 2024 but was postponed twice, first to November 2024, and now to the upcoming parliamentary session.
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Finas sponsors 1,000 creative industry employees' i-Saraan accounts
KUALA LUMPUR: About 1,000 arts industry employees who do not have Employees Provident Fund (EPF) accounts will receive sponsorship from the National Film Development Corporation (Finas) to open i-Saraan accounts. The good news was announced by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at an Aidilfitri open house organised by Finas at a hotel in Petaling Jaya yesterday. According to Fahmi, the initiative was introduced under the Pelindung programme which provides a social safety net for industry workers including behind-the-scenes crews. "The Pelindung programme is spearheaded by the Malaysian Film Association Coalition (Gafema) together with Finas to provide social protection for arts industry employees. "It is a strategic collaboration with the Social Security Organisation (Socso) and EPF for arts industry employees to participate in the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme and EPF i-Saraan without age limits. "This is a long-term investment for their future. Finas will sponsor the opening of i-Saraan EPF accounts for 1,000 industry players who do not have accounts," he said. Fahmi said that the quota was open until September and priority was given to industry employees who do have EPF accounts. "This initiative paves the way for retirement savings." Fahmi added: "Today we also witness the official launch of Gafema which was established on August 21, 2023 and is now recognised by Finas," he said. Gafema serves as an umbrella association comprising about 16 associations for producers, directors, technical crews, scriptwriters and animators. "I also welcome the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Gafema and Finas as a commitment to strengthen industry policies," he said.
