KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged that a new legislative framework will promptly address all issues concerning the welfare and rights of gig workers.
He said the Gig Workers Bill will be tabled during the upcoming session of the Dewan Rakyat.
Anwar stressed that several shortcomings remain that need to be rectified, particularly in terms of ensuring adequate protection for those in the gig economy.
“InsyaAllah, the challenges faced by gig workers will be addressed through the Gig Workers Bill, which will be tabled at the next Parliament session,” he said during the 2025 Labour Day celebration at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil today.
Also present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and other Cabinet ministers.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, the secretaries-general of ministries, as well as heads of agencies, including Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, were also in attendance.
Earlier, Sim revealed that the bill was finally completed following a series of engagement sessions involving over 3,000 gig workers nationwide.
In his opening speech, he urged all parties to support the government’s efforts in passing the bill.
“I call on everyone to not stand in the way of the government’s mission to safeguard the welfare of gig workers. Support the Gig Workers Bill so we can better protect their rights,” Sim said.
He also announced that the Human Resources Ministry will establish a One-Stop Worker Service Centre to streamline access to services related to labour issues.
The initiative will consolidate multiple government departments and agencies under one roof for greater efficiency. The pilot project will involve the opening of three centres in Penang, the Klang Valley, and Johor Bahru.
This year’s Labour Day celebration, themed 'Pekerja Kesuma Bangsa', drew over 10,000 participants from various sectors, including both public and private agencies.
— Bernama
