New laws, programmes strengthen support, social security
PETALING JAYA: The welfare and future of gig workers continue to be strengthened through the implementation of various new initiatives focusing on social protection, skills development and career advancement opportunities, says Datuk Seri R. Ramanan (pic).
The Human Resources Minister said among the initiatives introduced by his ministry is the Progressive Acceleration for Capability and Employment programme, which has been allocated RM20mil to help improve workers’ economic resilience.
“Additionally, the MyMahir artificial intelligence (AI) programme worth RM110mil, which provides technology- and AI-related skills training, reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening support for gig workers, including e-hailing drivers and p-hailing riders,” he said at the Grab Partner Appreciation Ceremony yesterday, Bernama reported.
About 1,000 driver and rider partners from the Sungai Buloh parliamentary constituency attended the event.
Ramanan said gig workers also have opportunities to undergo technical training through the Labour Department’s Labour Advanced Technology College, as well as benefit from the Social Security Organisation’s (PERKESO) MYFutureJobs platform for wider job opportunities and career advancement.
Meanwhile, he said an e-complaint portal for gig workers had also been introduced to facilitate more systematic access to information on employment rights, social protection and complaint channels.
Ramanan said the growth of the gig sector must be driven collectively by the government, platform providers and workers themselves to ensure a more stable, inclusive and sustainable employment ecosystem in the long term.
At the event, Ramanan also presented appreciation contributions to Grab partners in recognition of their dedication and contributions in helping facilitate the daily lives of the community.
Gazetted on Dec 31, the Gig Workers Act seeks to protect the social security, welfare and dignity of gig workers, extending protections comparable to those enjoyed by formal employees to more than 1.2 million workers in the sector.
Under the Act, gig workers now enjoy clearer legal protections, including transparency in service agreements, agreed income rates, protection against discrimination, social security coverage through PERKESO, occupational safety and health safeguards, as well as a structured dispute resolution mechanism through the Industrial Relations Department and a dedicated Gig Workers Tribunal.
A key feature of the Act is the establishment of the Gig Consultative Council (MPGig), a tripartite platform comprising representatives from the government, gig workers and contracting entities.
The council, consisting of 26 members from diverse backgrounds and across the gig ecosystem, will advise and make recommendations to the government on minimum income rates, formulas and standards applicable according to sector, region, type of gig work or service.
MPGig will also have the power to collect and analyse data, as well as conduct research on gig-related matters at both domestic and international levels.
