PUTRAJAYA: The new bill for gig workers, expected to be presented by the end of this year, will make Malaysia one of the first countries to enact legislation specifically for this sector.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting 1.16 million gig workers nationwide.
Speaking at the launch of the Madani Malaysian Gig Economy Convention, Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, noted that Malaysia will be among the first countries to establish specific laws for gig workers.
"Malaysia is one of five countries worldwide with gig economy commissions and will be among the first to introduce legislation for gig workers," he said.
"This bill will provide social protection for gig workers, and we need support not only from the gig economy secretariat but from all 1.16 million workers in this sector.
"This effort is not political; we are color-blind when it comes to caring for the people's welfare. What matters is our concern for the people," he added.
Also in attendance were Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, and Sekretariat Kesatuan Sekerja dan Ekonomi GiG Malaysia chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Shakar Shamsudin.
At the press conference, Zahid announced that the bill will be presented by the human resources ministry (KESUMA) after the Supply Bill 2025 is debated in the current session of the House of Representatives.
He detailed that the gig worker bill will cover various elements, including worker safety and protection, and will involve both the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Perkeso.
Zahid said that the proposed protection for gig workers will cover them 24 hours a day, as requested by those in the sector.
"This is a demand from gig workers, as 70 percent of them are aged between 19 and 34, and they will eventually require medical care as they age.
"If there is no coverage for treatment, it is disappointing. We must move toward the same protections as permanent workers," he said.
Zahid also suggested including treatment costs in the bill, acknowledging the financial implications this may entail.
"We must care for gig workers, and we will discuss this in detail with KESUMA, the Ministry of Finance, and the gig economy secretariat, which will provide input," he stated.
When asked about the differences from the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265), Zahid explained that the existing act does not specifically address the recent developments in the gig economy, making new legislation essential.
"There are many labor laws, but the Cabinet has decided there should be specific legislation, like this bill, to ensure it complements existing laws," he said.