KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 10 — The government will begin enforcing the Gig Workers Act 2025 this year, providing a clearer legal framework to recognise the status of gig workers and safeguard their welfare.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the move reflects the ministry’s (MOHR) commitment to strengthening the social safety net for 3.45 million informal sector workers, who make up 21.8 per cent of the country’s total workforce.
By amending the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969, the government has also introduced the 24-Hour LINDUNG Scheme, which provides comprehensive protection throughout employment, including coverage for accidents that occur outside working hours.
“The principle of leaving no one behind will continue to underpin the nation’s labour and social protection policies.
“The government is committed to ensuring that the development of the national digital economy does not come at the expense of workers’ well-being and the future of their families,” he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address for the MOHR at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Ramanan added that, to encourage participation, the government, under Budget 2026, has provided incentives covering 70 per cent of contributions for first-time registrants in non-mandated sectors under the Self-Employed LINDUNG Scheme, and 50 per cent for voluntary contribution renewals in the second year.
As of December 31 last year, a total of 869,913 self-employed individuals had registered and were actively contributing under the scheme, including 299,674 gig workers and e-hailing service providers.
