PETALING JAYA: A long-awaited Gig Workers Bill, set to be tabled in Parliament today, promises sweeping reforms for millions of e-hailing drivers, film crews, musicians and photographers.
Among its key provisions is the creation of a consultative council to determine wages across different sectors, as well as the establishment of a tribunal to hear disputes between gig workers and their employers.
The Bill also provides clear definitions of who qualifies as a gig worker and what constitutes a platform or employer.
If passed, the legislation will extend protections beyond ride-hailing and delivery services to include freelancers in the creative industries such as actors, make-up artists and stringers.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim will table the Bill for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat.
Briefing documents from his ministry outline further protections, including the right for gig workers to join associations, safeguards against unjust termination and requirements for employers to offer internal dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Should disputes remain unresolved, cases can be referred to the Industrial Relations Department for mediation and, if necessary, escalated to a tribunal whose decisions will be binding.
The proposed wage council will consult all stakeholders before drafting a formula for fair pay, with members of the body to be named later.
In addition, all gig workers will be required to contribute to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) through deductions from their earnings.
Industry groups have hailed the Bill as “historic,” with the Malaysian Professional Film Workers Association (Profima) calling it the breakthrough they had been waiting for for over two decades.
“Those in the film and arts industry have been suffering for a long time without any solid legal redress. We hope this law will finally protect our rights, welfare and future,” said Profima president Khalid Saleh.
The Malaysian E-hailing Coalition (GEM), which represents drivers, said the law would protect about 1.2 million Malaysians dependent on the gig sector.
“This Bill is a bulwark against inequities that have haunted workers – unstable incomes, lack of social protection and systemic exploitation by vested interests.
“It is not only historic for gig workers but for the nation, and for everyone who dreams of a fairer labour system,” GEM said.
Both Profima and GEM urged lawmakers to support the Bill regardless of political affiliation and resist pressure from lobbyists seeking to delay its passage.
