PETALING JAYA: The role and contribution of gig workers in this country will finally get due recognition with the tabling of the Gig Workers Bill.
Gig-workers, particularly p-hailing delivery riders, played a vital role during the Covid-19 lockdowns and the service has since grown to become part of the economy, said Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor.
However, they have little or no representation.
“Many gig workers came to MTUC, asking us to represent them but we were not able to do so because there was no legal provision.
“The proposed law will now widen the scope to include gig workers,” he said at a joint press conference in Parliament yesterday.
Malaysian Bar Industrial and Employment Law Committee co-chairperson S. Karthigesan said the Bill will provide a clear legal framework for the gig economy by introducing a statutory definition for gig workers.
“This includes a mechanism for dispute resolution, income protection and social security contributions,” he said.
North-South Initiative co-founder and executive director Adrian Pereira said that extensive consultations and engagements were held over a two-year period to draft a comprehensive law.
“There should be no excuses saying that no consultations were held,” he said, describing the proposed law as a win-win for all involved.
Research has shown that setting a minimum wage for gig workers would result in better productivity while developing the industry into a stable and professional workforce for the nation, he said.
Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) president Datuk Freddie Fernandez said the proposed law would provide some protection for those in the music industry, which is a whole ecosystem comprising musicians, soundmen and concert crew.
“There are no regulations or laws that cover the employment of musicians, singers and those in the creative industry.
“A lot of their issues remain unresolved such as not getting paid or late payments with no avenue to recourse. The new law will settle those issues,” he said.
Malaysian e-hailing Association chief activist Jose Rizal said the proposed law will be a “game-changer”.
“It will transform the environment of the gig industry to make it stronger, more protected and secure.”
He said the industry will enter a new chapter when the Bill is passed.
Malaysia E-Hailing Drivers Association president Daryl Chong said the proposed law was the first step toward basic dignity and fairness for gig workers.
“This law finally gives them recognition, access to dispute resolution and a seat at the table to negotiate fair pay.
“This Bill must be a starting point. Gig workers deserve full protection, fair wages, and respect for their contribution to our economy,” he said.
Interpreters and Translators Association president Lucy Lim said that for years, interpreters and translators were considered an “invisible profession” whose services were provided free of charge or on charity.
“The hearing impaired find it difficult to hire us as translators or spokespersons for events such as townhall meetings. This is because there is usually a dispute as to who is going to pay for our services,” she said.
The Bill gives recognition to interpreters and translators as a profession offering professional and ethical services for the hearing impaired.
