PETALING JAYA: The issue of fare bidding or bargaining in the e-hailing sector is among the matters that will be discussed by the proposed gig consultative council, says the Human Resources Ministry.
It said the council would be established once the Gig Workers Bill comes into force.
The ministry said it had taken note of concerns raised by several gig worker organisations over the use of fare bidding models in e-hailing services.
Among the groups that have voiced concerns are Pertubuhan Lestari Ekonomi Aktivis Gig Digital Malaysia, Persatuan Perpaduan Rakan Penghantar Malaysia, Pertubuhan Tenaga Gig Melaka, Persatuan Rakan Penghantar Melaka, Persatuan Penghantar dan Pemandu e-Hailing Sabah, Persatuan Kebajikan Perkhidmatan Penghantar Bermotosikal Perak and Persatuan Rakan Penghantar Kedah.
"The council will serve as a tripartite platform involving representatives from the government, gig workers and contracting entities to advise and submit recommendations to the government on minimum income rates, formulas and minimum standards as well as other matters affecting the welfare and interests of gig workers," the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 24).
It added that the council would also function as a continuous platform for dialogue and negotiation on policies and emerging issues in the gig sector, including efforts to ensure more stable, fair and sustainable income for gig workers.
"The bidding issue in e-hailing industry is one of the urgent matters to be discussed by the council to ensure balance between the interests of drivers, platforms and users," it said, adding it was ready to work with the Transport Ministry to address the issue.
The Gig Workers Bill 2025 was passed by the Dewan Rakyat in August and the Dewan Negara in September and is currently in the gazettement process.
It is expected to come into effect in 2026.
In December 2024, some 1,200 e-hailing drivers submitted a memorandum to the government calling for a minimum fare, saying the existing structure was unsustainable and had driven many to quit amid intense competition.
In July 2025, a study was conducted to determine if e-hailing fares should be regulated as there are no provisions under the current licensing regime to set a minimum fare or floor price.
