KUALA LUMPUR: Associations of gig workers in Malaysia are calling for better protection for gig workers in the proposed law which is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in October.
The Malaysian P-Hailing Riders Association (Penghantar) president Zulhelmi Mansor said that any new policy or act should not disrupt the entire gig ecosystem but should consider every stakeholder involved.
He said this includes drivers, delivery couriers, companies, vendors and service providers.
"The government must focus on ensuring the safety, health, income security and future of gig workers.
"Any policies or legislation developed must take into account the entire gig economy ecosystem and all stakeholders involved.
"This is to ensure that the new law does not place an undue burden on existing gig workers," he said when contacted by the New Straits Times.
Zulhelmi also urged the government to give proper recognition to gig workers to prevent any labour exploitation issue.
"Gig workers often only have limited protection compared with ordinary full-time employees who are covered under the Employment Act 1955.
"To prevent exploitation, the government must reassess whether these workers are gig participants or social contractors.
"The government needs to review this recognition based on the gig economy to address exploitation issues thoroughly and effectively," he added.
Malaysia E-Hailing Drivers Association (MeHDA) president Daryl Chong said he expected the bill to implement comprehensive measures to ensure gig workers receive fair treatment from the platforms they work for.
"This includes establishing clear guidelines to prevent sudden deactivation of accounts without just cause, providing a transparent appeals process for workers who face penalties or deactivation, and setting limits on the imposition of unfair penalties," he said.
Grab Drivers Malaysia Association (GDMA) president Mohd Azril Ahmat said that establishing the Gig Economy Commission will increase frequent monitoring of industry law for gig workers.
"It is essential to involve stakeholders (industry players) to ensure that the solution is fair and satisfactory for all parties.
"Currently, discussions are taking place only at the top level, to the extent that the Human Resources Ministry is preparing paperwork without involving lower-level industry players," he said.
He said many violations occur due to inadequate enforcement by the authorities.
On July 4, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced a new bill to ensure the welfare of gig workers that is expected to be tabled for its first reading at the Third Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament in October.
Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said this was decided at a meeting of the High-Level Committee on the Establishment of the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission, which he chaired.
Zahid said the meeting also decided to formally establish the Gig Economy Commission under the Prime Minister's Department, which will be implemented within two months from now.