Delay gig workers’ bill for further engagements, govt urged

rider hailing — The proposed Gig Workers’ Economy Bill is aimed at giving greater protection to the 1.16 million employees in such sectors as e-hailing and food delivery. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: A transport think tank has urged the government to delay the proposed Gig Workers’ Economy Bill until next year, saying more engagements with stakeholders are needed.

MY Mobility Vision said rushing the bill without a more robust engagement process could lead to unintended challenges for both workers and platforms in the gig economy.

“We believe that postponing the presentation of this bill would allow for deeper engagement and refinement,” it said in a statement today. “Introducing legislation with ambiguities or without sufficient buy-in risks creating more issues than it solves.”

MY Mobility Vision pointed out that feedback from industry representatives revealed several concerns and gaps in the current draft of the bill.

“Stakeholders noted that the bill leaves certain key areas vague, such as the payback rate, payback time, and a clear mechanism for defining who is responsible for benefits payments in cases involving deductions,” it said.

It said the bill also lacks a clear definition of what constitutes a “platform owner or operator”, which could lead to confusion over who is accountable for worker protection and how these responsibilities will be enforced.

The think tank said focusing on only a few gig economy sectors, like e-hailing and food delivery, will risk creating uneven protection that may leave many gig workers without the support they need.

“We recommend that the human resources ministry engage in a more inclusive consultation process, involving gig workers across various sectors, platform representatives, unions, and labour experts. Establishing a collaborative working group could also help shape a well-rounded, balanced framework,” it said.

Last month, deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the proposed legislation will be tabled by the human resources ministry in December after the conclusion of the debate on the Supply Bill 2025.

He said the proposed bill will introduce a safety net for gig workers, ensuring comprehensive protection that includes not only contributions to the EPF but also coverage from the Social Security Organisation and also provisions for medical treatment costs.

The proposed legislation is aimed at giving greater protection to the 1.16 million gig workers nationwide.

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