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Workers

Malaysia to Introduce Legislation to Protect Gig Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Malaysian government is set to table the Gig Workers' Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat, with the first reading scheduled for August 14. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced this during a *Sembang Santai Teh Tarik Industri Gig* session, where he also highlighted the importance of encouraging gig workers to contribute to the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong added that Malaysia's legislation is considered comprehensive and not extreme, with the International Labour Organisation expressing interest in learning from Malaysia's experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gig Workers' Bill 2025 will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat for its first reading on August 14, with the second reading scheduled for August 26.
  • The bill will be explained in detail and debated by Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition before being put to a vote.
  • The vote does not require a two-thirds majority, just a simple majority.
  • Currently, only 188,000 p-hailing workers and 132,000 e-hailing workers are contributing to the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme, out of a total of 1.12 million workers in the gig economy.
  • The government aims to carry out an awareness campaign to encourage more gig workers to contribute to the scheme.
  • Malaysia's legislation is considered more comprehensive than in other countries, with the International Labour Organisation expressing interest in learning from Malaysia's experience.
  • A total of 40 engagement sessions were held in drafting the bill, involving around 4,000 stakeholders, including workers, companies, associations, employers' representatives, academics, NGOs, and others.
  • The bill aims to strike a balance between protecting gig workers and maintaining the competitiveness of the gig economy sector in Malaysia.
  • Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, the deputy Human Resources Minister, attended the *Sembang Santai Teh Tarik Industri Gig* session alongside Steven Sim and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Statistics:

  • 188,000 p-hailing workers and 132,000 e-hailing workers are contributing to the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme, out of a total of 1.12 million workers in the gig economy.
  • 40 engagement sessions were held in drafting the Gig Workers' Bill 2025.
  • Around 4,000 stakeholders participated in the engagement sessions.
  • Malaysia would be the 16th country in the world to introduce legislation to protect workers in the gig sector.

Sources:

  • BERNAMA News Agency, 07 Aug 2025.
  • Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA).
  • International Labour Organisation (ILO).

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