PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged for the swift establishment of the Gig Workers Commission to champion the interests of workers in this sector.
Anwar said establishing this commission is crucial to provide greater attention and concern for workers in the relevant sectors.
"In government, when they show concern, they typically focus on civil servants. The government has structures like the chief secretary to the government, the director-general of the Public Service Department, and the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs).
"However, there are segments of workers who aren't directly represented, hence the necessity for the Gig Workers Commission.
"We urge its expedited formation to ensure they receive the attention they deserve," he said during his address at the Labour Day 2024 celebration held at the Putrajaya International Convention Center (PICC) today.
Previously, Anwar announced the establishment of the Gig Workers Commission in his closing speech at the Bumiputera Economic Congress (KEB) in Putrajaya.
Anwar said the aim of forming the commission is to protect the rights of 1.12 million gig workers, focusing on meeting social needs, resolving contract disputes, and promoting the career advancement of the group.
On March 13, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong announced that his ministry, in collaboration with the University of Malaya (UM), is currently conducting a study to facilitate the establishment of the Gig Workers Commission.
He said an interim study report would be presented to the Cabinet within the next three months.