5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Concerns raised ahead of Gig Workers Bill tabling in Dewan Rakyat
KUALA LUMPUR: Industry players have expressed concerns about the upcoming Gig Workers Bill, which is set to be tabled in Dewan Rakyat on Aug 14.
The bill aims to provide a social protection network for Malaysia's estimated 1.5 million gig workers, safeguarding their rights and addressing vulnerabilities within the sector.
The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during the 'Sembang Santai Teh Tarik: Industri Gig' session alongside Human Resources Minister Steven Sim yesterday.
A key focus of the proposed legislation is addressing the lack of Self-Employment Social Security Scheme deductions under the Social Security Organisation (Socso), which currently leaves gig workers unprotected in cases of workplace injuries.
Speaking to media at the event, Kiddocare head of business development Rahman Hussin welcomed the bill's intent but highlighted unresolved issues.
"While we appreciate the spirit of the bill and its efforts to support gig workers, there are still grey areas that need clarification before it is tabled," he said.
Rahman raised concerns about the absence of a regulatory impact analysis, which he believes is essential before introducing new legislation.
He also pointed out challenges related to setting a minimum wage for gig workers, noting that this would require defining minimum working hours which is a potential conflict with the flexible nature of gig work.
"The essence of gig work is flexibility. Workers decide their own schedules, and imposing minimum hours could undermine this."
The rising cost of living in Malaysia further compounds these concerns.
According to recent data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 3.2 per cent year-on-year in June 2025, driven by increases in transportation, food and utility costs.
Industry players are worried that additional costs imposed by the bill, which ultimately be passed on to consumers, could exacerbate financial pressures on consumers already grappling with rising cost of living.
Concerns were also voiced by an e-hailing driver, Abdul Halim Hapiz, who is a person with disability (PWD).
"We have yet to see clear benefits for PWD gig workers, particularly in terms of upskilling opportunities or meaningful support under this bill.
"Employment as an e-hailing driver has been a lifeline for many of us. But past regulations have already created barriers for us, and we fear the bill's implementation could further marginalise us and negatively impact our income," he said.
Sim earlier revealed that to shape the bill, 40 engagement sessions involving 4,000 stakeholders, including gig workers, platform companies, employers' representatives, politicians and NGOs had been conducted.
