KESUMA Holds Briefing With Creative Practitioners On Gig Workers Bill

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) held a briefing session on the proposed Gig Workers Bill 2025 with creative industry practitioners, particularly voice talents who are mostly freelancers, following a series of engagement sessions with various other sectors.

In a statement today, KESUMA said the session, conducted recently by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, was attended by nearly 100 creative practitioners, including producers, musicians, singers, lyricists, composers, as well as animators and graphic designers.

“This briefing session serves as an important platform to strengthen strategic cooperation between the government and the creative industry, while ensuring that gig workers in Malaysia receive the rights, protection and recognition they deserve,” the statement said.

The session was also attended by Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia (Karyawan) president Datuk Freddie Fernandez, during which Sim outlined how the new law could provide benefits and advantages to artistes.

Among the provisions explained was that if no payment period is stated in the agreement, the entity hiring gig workers will be required to make payment within seven days from the date the service is completed.

In addition, KESUMA said hiring parties or employers will be required to provide a payment slip if requested by the worker.

“The briefing session also provided an opportunity for creative practitioners to directly raise questions about the challenges they often face,” the statement added.

Sim also stressed that the new law will define the status of gig workers, who he said have long been denied their rights and justice throughout the century-long existence of the creative industry in Malaysia.

“At the same time, KESUMA will continue to support creative practitioners in developing their careers through skills training programmes organised by agencies under the ministry,” the statement said.

-- BERNAMA