Gig Workers Bill 2025 Extends Legal Protection to Malaysian Gig Workers

Strategic Insights -

The Malaysian government's Gig Workers Bill 2025, passed by the Dewan Rakyat on August 28, has been hailed as a major step forward in protecting the rights of gig workers, including those in the entertainment industry. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong highlighted the importance of recognizing verbal agreements as legally binding, particularly in the creative sector where they are common. This move addresses a longstanding issue in the arts sector, ensuring that workers are safeguarded in cases of dispute.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gig Workers Bill 2025 will extend legal protection to over 1.2 million gig workers in Malaysia, including those in the entertainment industry.
  • The Bill defines a service agreement as any arrangement, whether written, verbal, express or implied, ensuring that verbal contracts are recognized as legally binding.
  • Employers must provide payslips to part-time or freelance workers upon request, formally recognizing their rights.
  • Gig workers can request income statements from hiring entities, with failure to comply constituting an offence punishable by up to two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to RM50,000.
  • The proposed Tripartite Consultative Council will address payment rates and minimum contract standards through negotiations between hiring entities and workers.
  • In bankruptcy cases, gig worker wages must take priority over payments to other creditors.
  • The Bill is scheduled for tabling in the Dewan Negara tomorrow before being gazetted and enforced.

Statistics:

  • Over 1.2 million gig workers in Malaysia will benefit from the Gig Workers Bill 2025.
  • The Bill defines a service agreement as any arrangement, whether written, verbal, express or implied.
  • Employers must provide payslips to part-time or freelance workers upon request, with 100% compliance expected.
  • 100% of gig workers will have the right to request income statements from hiring entities.
  • The proposed Tripartite Consultative Council is expected to address payment rates and minimum contract standards for gig workers.

Sources:

  • BERNAMA News Agency, "Gig Workers Bill 2025 to extend protection to more than 1.2 million workers in Malaysia" (August 28, 2025)
  • Press conference at the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) on August 28, 2025, with Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.