Gig Workers Bill Tabled For First Reading In Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- The Gig Workers Bill 2025, aimed at safeguarding the welfare of 1.2 million gig workers in the country, was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, when presenting the bill, said its second and third readings would be held during the current parliamentary sitting.

At a press conference afterwards, Sim said the bill comprised four key components, namely the definition of gig workers, dispute resolution mechanisms, issues related to payment rates, and social security.

He said the bill was drafted following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive for the Human Resources Ministry to establish protection mechanisms for workers in the sector.

“A total of 40 engagement sessions involving nearly 4,000 stakeholders were held, including with state governments, employers’ representatives, companies, gig worker associations, trade unions, academics and non-governmental organisations to gather input on this law,” he said.

In addition, Sim said a channel for online feedback was also provided, and it had received 500 responses in the process of formulating the bill.

“I urge all parties, especially Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition, to support and ultimately pass this bill to ensure a better future for gig workers, who have worked tirelessly to earn a living and provide services to all of us,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysian eHailing Association (GEM) chief activist Masrizal Mahidin, at the same press conference, welcomed the government’s move to table the bill, describing it as a new reform shift that elevates the dignity of gig workers in the country.

“GEM is confident this bill is a game changer that will transform the gig industry in Malaysia to be more secure and better protected,” he said.

Professional Film Workers Association of Malaysia president Khalil Saleh also expressed his gratitude to the government for tabling the bill, which not only safeguards the welfare of workers but also provides them with a platform for fair legal recourse.

Among others, the bill seeks to protect the rights of gig workers, provide for the obligations of contracting entities, and regulate the terms and conditions of service agreements made between contracting entities and gig workers.

Clause 8 of the bill states that a gig worker must be informed of the terms and conditions of the service agreement as well as the agreed rate and details of remuneration before agreeing to perform the service.

In addition, the bill also provides for a dispute resolution mechanism, the establishment of a Consultative Council and the setting up of a Gig Workers Tribunal.

-- BERNAMA