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Free Malaysia Today
05-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
ILO looks to Malaysia as reference point to regulate gig economy, says Zahid
Key aspects of the Gig Workers Bill 2025 include the introduction of an official definition for gig workers, setting minimum compensation and establishing a grievance mechanism. (Bernama pic) BANGI : The International Labour Organization (ILO) is looking to Malaysia as a reference point in its effort to regulate the gig economy, says deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Zahid, who chairs the high-level committee for the establishment of the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM), said the ILO's interest reflected the global significance of Malaysia's pioneering approach in drafting legislation aimed at protecting gig workers' rights. 'This bill, which will be tabled and potentially passed in Parliament in August or September this year, is not just about setting the protection net (for gig workers) in stone,' he told reporters after chairing a roundtable session on the gig economy here today. 'It's the first of its kind focussed entirely on the gig economy, unlike in other countries that simply append it to existing laws.' He said a representative from Malaysia had presented the country's framework at the ILO headquarters in Geneva recently, with the organisation expressing interest in studying Malaysia's experience more closely. Zahid confirmed that SEGiM would be set up under the Prime Minister's Department to oversee the development and implementation of policies tailored for the gig economy, including upskilling initiatives and social protection mechanisms. The commission will work closely with the digital, transport and human resources ministries to ensure gig workers are given opportunities not just for temporary income but also for long-term career development, including entrepreneurship. Zahid also said SEGiM would serve as the main authority for the gig sector nationwide. It would be responsible for ensuring industry compliance with standards and transparent policy execution, while also strengthening self-regulation practices among platform providers, he said. To enhance policymaking and ensure industry feedback is heard, Zahid proposed informal town hall sessions involving gig platform operators, government officials, and other stakeholders. He said such dialogue should happen in a more relaxed setting, reflecting the flexible nature of the gig sector. 'Too many meetings are too formal. I've suggested we adopt a more casual, open format for discussions. No rigid protocols – just honest conversations between those affected and those responsible for the policies.' The establishment of SEGiM was first proposed by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation under the digital ministry. Key aspects of the Gig Workers Bill 2025 include the introduction of an official definition for gig workers, setting minimum compensation, establishing a grievance mechanism, and implementing social security protection such as mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation.
The Sun
01-07-2025
- 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
01-07-2025
- 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.
