Sim (sixth from left) with key stakeholders during the first reading of the Gig Workers Bill (RUU) 2025 in Parliament on Aug 25. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
Proposed Bill seeks to recognise over 1.2 million gig workers and outline protections for income, welfare and dispute resolution
THE Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) officially presented the first reading of the mooted Gig Workers Bill (RUU) 2025 at the Parliament (media centre) on Monday (Aug 25).
In attendance were Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and deputy secretary-general (policy and international) Dr Mohd Shaharin Umar, as well as various key stakeholders from related industries and e-hailing and p-hailing platforms.
Sim said during the press conference that the drafting of the Bill marks a critical turning point in the nation’s efforts to recognise the important role of gig workers in national labour law, to ensure their rights and welfare are comprehensively protected.
“Last year, the Federal Court upheld the decision that a gig worker cannot seek a claim or bring a dispute to the Employment Court.
“This meant that they could not seek justice in the context of labour institutions,” he said.
“Today, with the first reading of the Bill, it could be the first law to protect gig workers.”
He added that the Bill was not just conceptualised in the halls of Putrajaya, but by taking into consideration the pain points and challenges of all stakeholders.
“The Bill has been drafted after getting feedback and hearing the complaints of all parties. Of course, it will not satisfy everyone, but we have consulted with all those involved.
“I hope that all parties, especially those in Parliament, will make this Bill a success and pass it so that gig workers will no longer have to put their welfare on the line to provide comfort to our lives,” said Sim.
Sim: I hope that all parties, especially those in Parliament, will make this Bill a success and pass it so that gig workers will no longer have to put their welfare on the line to provide comfort to our lives. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
Landmark move
The Bar Council's Industrial and Employment Law Committee co-chair, Karthigesan Shanmugam, said that the Council welcomes RUU 2025 as an important step to providing a clear legal framework for the growing gig economy.
“The introduction of a statutory definition for gig workers, together with mechanisms for dispute resolution, income protection and social security contributions, represents progress in addressing longstanding regulatory gaps in the sector,” he said.
“We support efforts to ensure fair and balanced protections for all stakeholders in the gig economy, with the shared aim of safeguarding workers' welfare while fostering innovation and growth in the economic segment.”
Malaysia e-Hailing Coalition (GEM) chief activist Jose Rizal added that the Bill could be a timely reform to change the landscape of the gig economy.
“We understand the concerns and challenges of the community. With the Bill, we could address several key issues that are burdensome to them.
“It could be a game-changer, which will improve the gig industry to be stronger, more protected and more secure.”
Malaysian Professionals Film Workers Association (Profima) president Khalil Salleh said he was delighted that the terms for “gig workers” and “freelancers” could finally be properly defined by law.
“Finally, the definition can be in an official Bill. This is what we will cling to, because we are confident that, with the Bill, our welfare will be protected,” he said.
Interpreters and Translators Association for Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Deaf Community (JUPEBIM) president Lucy Lim said that the Bill will be beneficial for interpreters and translators, whose services have been undervalued.
“This is a recognition for freelance translators and interpreters as an official profession. We want to thank Kesuma for listening to our problems on how we can improve our livelihoods and get the protection we need as gig workers,” she said.
Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (Dawn) member and Deaf Grab Malaysia Rakan Representative Committee (RRC) member Farid Mahmud echoed Lim’s statements, highlighting the acknowledgement of all gig workers, including the differently abled.
“For the deaf community gig workers, there are many challenges we face when trying to integrate with those who can hear. Many companies do not accept us for employment, which is why we have to resort to gig work to make a living,” he articulated in sign language.
“By having this Bill, we can indirectly uplift the deaf community, so that we will not have any more obstacles and will be free to work knowing we are protected.”
Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor reminded everyone of the important role gig workers play in the economy and in society.
“Gig workers have been instrumental in our daily lives – especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. When we were in lockdown, they were still out and about, continuing to provide services to the community,” he said.
“They have been looking for solutions for a long time. But, with RUU 2025, it will let them have peace of mind knowing they are acknowledged for their role in national economic development.”
Meanwhile, Uni Malaysia Labour Centre (Uni-MLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal praised Kesuma for its efforts in drafting the Bill.
“I congratulate Kesuma for seeking to break this deadlock between the government and the gig community.
“We need to elevate the dignity of this community, and I hope that the Bill will be passed in time for Merdeka,” he said.
North South Initiative founder Adrian Pereira welcomed RUU 2025, citing that it could aid in reducing manpower turnover and increasing productivity, which will lead to better service quality.
“It uses a ‘win-win’ formula that would help to cultivate a stable and more professional workforce, ultimately benefiting consumers,” he said.
“As the gig economy is dynamic in nature, there is room for continuous improvement built into the Bill. We urge all stakeholders to engage in this process with sincerity and prioritise the welfare of all workers and the nation as a whole.
“This is not just a moral imperative, but the right thing to do for a fair and sustainable future.”
Gig workers could see their rights and welfare protected under Malaysia’s proposed Gig Workers Bill 2025. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Gig Workers Bill 2025
RUU 2025 comprises 10 sections and 112 clauses, focusing on four main pillars:
> The official definition of a “gig worker”;
> Workers’ rights to be involved in negotiations on income issues;
> Dispute resolution mechanisms; and
> Social protection.
With the first reading and drafting of the Bill, Malaysia could become the 16th country to provide a clear definition for gig workers, representing a step forward in strengthening a fairer, more progressive and inclusive gig economy ecosystem.
Kesuma said it is confident that this will ensure a sustainable and balanced future for over 1.2 million gig workers nationwide and elevate Malaysia's position as a competitive nation on the international stage.
