KUALA LUMPUR: The government currently has no plans to introduce an algorithm to set fair wages for gig economy workers, says Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
He said the ministry was committed to having a balanced regulatory approach that could maintain the gig industry’s flexibility.
“The fundamental nature of the gig industry needs to be preserved. Overly stringent regulations could disrupt the dynamic ecosystem the industry enjoys,” he said during the Minister’s Question Time in response to a question from Bakri Jamaluddin (PN-Tangga Batu) on whether the government was going to introduce a special algorithm to set a minimum wage for gig workers in Malaysia.
Abdul Rahman noted that the Cabinet had approved the establishment of a consultative council for gig workers on Nov 22 last year.
“This council will serve as a strategic discussion platform to address gig worker issues inclusively and constructively, including wage-related algorithms.”
He said the discussions would involve representatives from gig workers, platform providers, government officials and other relevant stakeholders.
“The council will propose recommendations on various aspects, such as minimum income levels and the formulas used to determine them.
“Should these proposals be approved, they will be implemented by the ministry,” he said.
To an additional question, Abdul Rahman also said the ministry is working on integrating gig workers into the national protection system, with the Social Security Organisation and the Finance Ministry involved in improving their welfare.
