KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has taken a major step to strengthen protections for gig workers with the appointment of members to two newly established bodies under the Gig Workers Act 2025.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the Gig Workers Tribunal (TPG) will comprise 50 members, including 22 Industrial Court chairpersons appointed on an interim basis as tribunal president, deputy president and members.
They will be joined by 28 industrial relations officers, who will provide technical expertise in labour law to support the tribunal’s implementation.
“The tribunal’s function is quasi-judicial in nature and requires a high level of diligence in delivering fair judgments. That is why its members were carefully selected,” he said at the appointment ceremony for TPG and the Gig Workers Consultative Council (MPGig) on Friday (April 3).
Ramanan said the TPG will serve as a platform to resolve contract disputes in a fair, speedy and cost-effective manner through hearings, mediation and decisions.
“To all council members, remember we are here to facilitate, not frustrate. Every decision made will have a direct impact on workers,” he added.
Meanwhile, the MPGig comprises 26 members from various backgrounds, representing the government, gig workers and platform operators.
The council will be chaired by former Human Resources Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Mohd Gazali Abas.
“It will serve as a platform for dialogue, negotiation and advisory on policies and issues in the gig sector, involving all relevant stakeholders,” Ramanan said.
He added that the council will hold its first meeting immediately after the ceremony, with a key focus on setting a minimum income floor for gig workers.
“I hope every negotiation will be guided by comprehensive fairness, not only to protect gig workers but also to ensure fairness for platform providers.
“Together, they must find the best middle ground,” he said.
The establishment of the TPG and MPGig is provided for under the Gig Workers Act 2025, which came into force on Tuesday.
The law aims to regulate the gig economy and provide basic legal safeguards for an estimated 1.64 million Malaysians engaged in platform-based and other forms of gig work.
“This places Malaysia among the first countries in Asia to introduce comprehensive legislation specifically to protect gig workers.
“It is a step towards a fairer and more inclusive future of work,” Ramanan added.
