The upcoming Gig Worker Bill to be tabled in Parliament this week is being hailed as a landmark step to protect the rights and welfare of more than two million Malaysians working in the gig economy.
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak said the Bill will end years of regulatory gaps that have left gig workers vulnerable, without social protection or stable income.
“This is historic and crucial to ensure gig workers are treated as humans, not machines,” said MTUC Sarawak chair Zaidi Nasar.
Key provisions include the official definition of gig workers, the establishment of a Gig Workers Consultative Council, mechanisms for dispute resolution via a special tribunal, as well as occupational safety protections and access to the Social Security Organisation’s social security coverage. Workers will also gain the legal right to be represented by trade unions in disputes.
According to the Department of Statistics, over 70% of gig workers are in the informal sector, with studies showing most lack health insurance, emergency savings or accident protection. The Bill would place Malaysia among 15 countries, including Singapore, the UK, Australia and South Korea, that have enacted dedicated gig work legislation.
The International Labour Organisation has long called for fair regulation of gig work, warning that flexibility should not come at the cost of basic rights.
MTUC urged the government to act as a facilitator and watchdog to ensure the law is implemented effectively, stressing that gig workers are the “backbone of Malaysia’s digital economy” and deserve the same protections as formal employees.
