PUTRAJAYA: The proposed Gig Workers’ Economy Act, to be tabled next month, will push for 24-hour social security coverage, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the Bill will be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat after Budget 2025 is passed.
“The 24-hour social security coverage was requested by the gig workers themselves.
“Currently, the majority of them are between the ages of 19 and 34. Their concern is that when they are older, they may need medical treatment (and not be able to get it).
“As a developing country, we should ensure gig workers receive the same benefits as employed workers,” he said after closing the Malaysia Madani Gig Economy Convention yesterday.
The convention, which was attended by about 800 gig workers, was jointly organised by Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia and the Workers’ Unions and Gig Economy Secretariat.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the main elements of the Bill will be the safety net for gig workers, adding that protection should not be merely in the form of the Employees Provident Fund, but also from the Social Security Organisation (Socso).
“I have requested that medical costs (of gig workers) be covered even though this may have a high financial implication.
“All this will be included in the Bill after discussions have been made with universities, especially Universiti Malaya, which has given its consultation on the proposed Act,” he said.
Earlier at the event, Ahmad Zahid said the upskilling and reskilling of gig workers are needed to ensure that such workers can secure permanent employment.
Malaysian Gig Economy secretariat chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said there is an urgent need for the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission to be set up immediately.
“The gig economy comprises part timers and freelancers beside e-hailing and p-hailing workers.
“For now, there is no one authority which oversees these gig workers and there is an urgent need to ensure the financial security of their incomes,” he said.
