Latest news with #GigWorkersBill
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Ensure Gig Workers Bill delivers
THERE is finally some clarity about the long awaited Gig Workers Bill after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said it is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in August or September. But several concerns about this future economy have to be sorted out. Chiefly, the bill has to balance worker protection with business viability and sustainability. The bill is designed to safeguard the gig economy and create a social protection framework for the 1.12 million Malaysians working in the sector. The bill is also meant to provide equitable protection that builds a fair, inclusive and resilient future. Zahid has touted the bill as a world's first and that the International Labour Organisation was keen to learn from Malaysia's experience. However, despite its importance, industry players are adopting a "wait-and-see" attitude. The gig economy is a major economic contributor and a source of employment to youngsters. A key question about the bill is on whether it addresses career advancements. The bill also has place in the Education Ministry's effort to stem Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia absenteeism, as more students are forfeiting the examination to become riders and drivers for quick and easy money. The Department of Statistics Malaysia conducted a study in 2022 and found that the majority of p-hailing riders are aged between 15 and 30 and earn about RM2,500 a month. Major industry players maintained that the bill offered little clarity because no regulatory impact assessment has been done. Over the years of deliberations, the industry hasn't seen dispute resolution, deactivation compensation and wage requirement resolved. It's clear that more industry consultations and inclusivity is needed in the bill's drafting, especially discussions with platforms, gig workers, academics and experts. There are other worries: will there be spikes in operational costs, more entry barriers, disruptions in business models and higher consumer costs? Gig worker associations are uneasy with excessive regulations that may stifle innovation, discourage platform investment, reduce job opportunities and harm economic benefits. They are asking: Will the bill clearly define gig workers, provide practical mechanisms for dispute resolution, income protection and social security? This is why there have been multiple postponements to the bill's tabling. Nevertheless, the bill is a global pioneering legal framework for gig workers, espousing a fair, inclusive and resilient future economy.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Gig workers bill to be tabled in parliament by September, says Ahmad Zahid
BANGI: The Gig Workers Bill, a pioneering legislation designed to safeguard gig economy workers in Malaysia, is expected to be tabled in Parliament by August or September, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced today. Speaking after the Sharing Economy and Gig Industry Roundtable Session, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the bill would be the first of its kind globally, offering dedicated protections for over 1.12 million Malaysians engaged in the sector. 'Several countries have amended existing laws to include gig workers, but Malaysia is introducing a new act specifically for this industry,' he said. The bill aligns with efforts to build a fair, inclusive, and resilient future economy. Ahmad Zahid noted that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has shown interest in learning from Malaysia's approach in drafting the legislation. This was conveyed by Malaysian Gig Community Secretariat chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin, who is currently in Geneva to discuss the bill with the ILO. Additionally, the soon-to-be-established Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) will play a crucial role in the national gig economy ecosystem. The commission, under the Prime Minister's Department, will oversee implementation, coordination, and compliance within the sector. 'SEGiM will strengthen self-regulation among platform providers while ensuring transparent policy enforcement,' Ahmad Zahid said. The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation will continue as the technical secretariat, consolidating industry feedback and coordinating with the Human Resource Ministry. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier assured that all welfare concerns for gig workers would be addressed through the bill. Also present at the session were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Deputy Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Hisham's suspension not discussed in meeting as it was not vital, says Zahid
BANGI: The Umno Supreme Council meeting last night did not discuss Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein's suspension. "The issue (Hishammuddin's suspension) was not discussed. The matter is not that important," said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi after a roundtable session on the gig economy and industry. When asked about Hishammuddin's latest video on social media, which hinted that he would unlikely appeal his six-year suspension from the party, Zahid said he had not watched the video. "I haven't watched the video though I have been informed of it. When the time comes, I will bring the matter (Hishammuddin's suspension) to the Umno Supreme Council and let them decide," he said. The Sembrong Umno division had previously proposed that Hishammuddin's suspension be lifted, in line with efforts to strengthen the party at all levels ahead of the next general election. Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi had called on division leaders to focus on persuading Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein to appeal his own suspension. Hishammuddin was suspended from Umno for six years, or two party election terms, effective Jan 27, 2023. On the roundtable, Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister and chairman of the high-level committee (HLC) for the establishment of the Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM), said Malaysia was leading the way in drafting laws for the gig economy. He said Malaysian Gig Economy Secretariat chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin was currently in Switzerland to present how Malaysia drafted its Gig Workers Bill to the International Labour Organisation (ILO). "There are a few countries that are amending their laws for the gig economy, but in Malaysia, we are drafting a new Act. "Sharkar, who represents the Malaysian Gig Economy Secretariat, is in Geneva to present to the ILO, as they too want to learn from Malaysia's experience," he said. He said the Gig Workers Bill, which is expected to be tabled in the next Parliamentary sitting, is a crucial step in introducing a social protection framework for over 1.12 million Malaysians involved in the sector. He said the law would ensure fairness by balancing the welfare of gig workers with the efficiency and flexibility of digital platform operators. "SEGiM will be placed under the Prime Minister's Department to ensure integrated policy coordination at the national level. "MDEC will continue to serve as the technical secretariat, consolidating industry input and coordinating engagement sessions with the Human Resources Ministry, the Transport Ministry, and relevant agencies. "Our goal is clear, which is to strike a balance between industry interests and the welfare of gig workers while positioning the gig economy as a key driver of a more just, responsive, and sustainable national digital economy. "I am confident that with strong collaboration among all stakeholders, Malaysia can emerge as a leader in developing a resilient gig economy ecosystem centred on the wellbeing of its people," he said. Zahid added that it is important for gig workers to not only have job opportunities, but also upskilling and reskilling opportunities. Hence, it is to be included in the National TVET Council's agenda. "This is to provide a future for gig workers who want to transition into permanent employment or become self-employed entrepreneurs when techno-entrepreneurship training is provided by TVET institutions in collaboration with SEGiM and the Human Resources Ministry. "The experience gained in the gig economy can help them to either gain employment or become entrepreneurs as a means to earn additional or stable income," he said.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia to table world-first Gig Workers Bill by September to regulate, protect over one million Malaysians, says DPM Zahid
BANGI, July 1 — The Gig Workers Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament as early as August or September, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the proposed legislation, initiated by the government, would be the first of its kind in the world, specifically designed to safeguard the gig economy industry in Malaysia. 'This is a significant step in introducing a social protection framework for over 1.12 million Malaysians involved in the sector. 'Several countries have only amended existing laws to include the gig economy, but in Malaysia, we are introducing a new and dedicated act,' he told a press conference after the Sharing Economy and Gig Industry Roundtable Session here today. Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave his assurance that all issues and welfare concerns involving gig workers would be addressed promptly through the drafting of the bill. Ahmad Zahid further said that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has expressed interest in learning from Malaysia's experience in drafting the bill. He said this was conveyed by Malaysian Gig Community Secretariat chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin, who is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, to share information about the bill with the ILO. The Gig Workers Bill aims to provide equitable protection for gig workers, in line with efforts to build a fair, inclusive and resilient future economy. Meanwhile, in a statement, Ahmad Zahid said the soon-to-be-established Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) will serve as a key component in the national gig economy ecosystem. He said the commission will act as the primary body for implementing, coordinating and monitoring the sector, ensuring industry compliance and transparent policy enforcement. 'It will also strengthen self-regulation practices among platform providers,' he said. Ahmad Zahid added that SEGiM will be placed under the Prime Minister's Department to ensure integrated policy coordination at the national level. 'The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation will continue to serve as the technical secretariat, consolidating industry input and coordinating engagement sessions with the Human Resource Ministry,' he said. Also present at the session were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Deputy Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. — Bernama
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia to table world-first Gig Workers Bill to regulate and protect over one million Malaysians by September, says DPM Zahid
BANGI, July 1 — The Gig Workers Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament as early as August or September, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said the proposed legislation, initiated by the government, would be the first of its kind in the world, specifically designed to safeguard the gig economy industry in Malaysia. 'This is a significant step in introducing a social protection framework for over 1.12 million Malaysians involved in the sector. 'Several countries have only amended existing laws to include the gig economy, but in Malaysia, we are introducing a new and dedicated act,' he told a press conference after the Sharing Economy and Gig Industry Roundtable Session here today. Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave his assurance that all issues and welfare concerns involving gig workers would be addressed promptly through the drafting of the bill. Ahmad Zahid further said that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has expressed interest in learning from Malaysia's experience in drafting the bill. He said this was conveyed by Malaysian Gig Community Secretariat chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin, who is currently in Geneva, Switzerland, to share information about the bill with the ILO. The Gig Workers Bill aims to provide equitable protection for gig workers, in line with efforts to build a fair, inclusive and resilient future economy. Meanwhile, in a statement, Ahmad Zahid said the soon-to-be-established Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) will serve as a key component in the national gig economy ecosystem. He said the commission will act as the primary body for implementing, coordinating and monitoring the sector, ensuring industry compliance and transparent policy enforcement. 'It will also strengthen self-regulation practices among platform providers,' he said. Ahmad Zahid added that SEGiM will be placed under the Prime Minister's Department to ensure integrated policy coordination at the national level. 'The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation will continue to serve as the technical secretariat, consolidating industry input and coordinating engagement sessions with the Human Resource Ministry,' he said. Also present at the session were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Deputy Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. — Bernama
