Malaysia's Gig Workers Bill 2025: A Balanced and Forward-Looking Framework

Strategic Insights -

Malaysia's government is taking a significant step towards regulating the gig economy with the introduction of the Gig Workers Bill 2025, which aims to provide a balanced and forward-looking framework that benefits both workers and platform operators. The Bill is inclusive of the four pillars of the International Labor Organisation's Decent Work Agenda and provides mechanisms to balance the protections of both workers and platform providers. This legislation will result in lower operating costs for platform operators and empower social dialogue via a proposed consultative council.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gig Workers Bill 2025 offers a balanced and forward-looking framework that benefits both workers and platform operators, as stated by the North South Initiative (NSI).
  • The Bill incorporates the four pillars of the International Labor Organisation's Decent Work Agenda, including the right to work, rights at work, promotion of social dialogue, and extending social protection.
  • The proposed bill provides mechanisms to balance the protections of both workers and platform providers, ensuring equitable distribution of profits, social dialogue, and a fair and effective dispute resolution mechanism.
  • The Bill will result in lower operating costs for platform operators due to the guaranteed industrial harmony.
  • The proposed consultative council will continuously monitor emerging issues and propose improvements and amendments to the bill.
  • The Human Resource Ministry (KESUMA) has been organizing roadshows and consultations since last year, listening to thousands of gig workers and various platform operators.
  • NSI affirms that there has never been a law tabled in Malaysia with such transparency and participatory engagement as per this Gig Workers Bill.

Statistics:

  • Thousands of gig workers and platform operators have been consulted since last year as part of the bill's development process.
  • The proposed bill aims to balance the protections of both workers and platform providers, ensuring equitable distribution of profits, social dialogue, and a fair and effective dispute resolution mechanism.
  • The bill will result in lower operating costs for platform operators due to the guaranteed industrial harmony.

Sources:

  • BERNAMA News Agency, "Gig Workers Bill 2025: North South Initiative praises Malaysia's forward-looking framework", 25 Aug 2025.
  • North South Initiative, quoted in BERNAMA News Agency, 25 Aug 2025.