Penghantar also wants p-hailing operators to do their part in ensuring that their riders' personal Socso contributions are up to date. – Filepic
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian P-Hailing Riders Association (Penghantar) wants the RM42mil government allocation for a career development programme to be used for entrepreneurship skills training.
Penghantar president Zulhelmi Mansor said such an initiative is important because the majority of those providing p-hailing service are B40 youths, who need to be equipped with knowledge and skills that will improve their prospects for the future.
"The gig economy and p-hailing industry can ensure their future if... improved. However, we should also help them expand their knowledge and experience with proper programmes.
ALSO READ: P-hailing companies to meet Anwar on Aug 8, says Transport Ministry
"For example, many SPM holders are now more attracted to become gig economy workers instead of continuing their studies.
"They... decided to take this route due to the unstable economic situation in the world and Malaysia and after considering (numerous factors).
"We hope the aid announced by the government can be channelled to other skills programmes (to) help us produce entrepreneurs among p-hailing workers,” he said when interviewed recently.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when launching the Madani Economy: Empowering the Rakyat framework recently, announced the RM42mil allocation for a career development programme for those in the informal sector.
He said the initiative, to be undertaken through Socso, would conduct upskilling programmes for this group and would include those with SPM qualifications and below.
ALSO READ: Funds allocated for Socso, healthcare and education
Other announcements included a government guarantee to expand the social protection network with a RM100mil allocation this year to provide an 80% grant for financing the Socso contributions of gig workers.
In this matter, Zulhelmi suggested that p-hailing service companies ensure that every rider is registered and has active contributions to the Social Protection Scheme for Self-Employed so that they would be covered in the event of any untoward incidents.
"If they don’t have such contributions or if their contributions are inactive, p-hailing operators should temporarily suspend the riders’ ID and ensure they have Work Disaster Social Protection for the sake of their own welfare and that of their dependents.
"And if riders are confirmed to be without contributions or if their contributions are inactive, the operator should face action,” he added. – Bernama
