Malaysia looks into law to protect gig workers

Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources is looking into the need to regulate gig workers, affording them protection and welfare as they are not covered under the country’s Employment Act 1955.

So far, gig workers only receive social protection under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), said Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri M Saravanan.

“The ministry has been following this issue involving gig workers in this country, whether raised by the mass media or during the question-and-answer time in Parliament,” he said. 

“There have also been the latest developments in the UK involving the decision of its Supreme Court on the status of their gig workers.”

READ: Malaysia’s minimum wage subsidy excludes gig economy workers

“Our ministry will be studying this decision in the UK on their gig workers being eligible for employment rights and whether this can be applied or adapted to regulate gig workers in Malaysia,” he highlighted in a statement. 

The ministry will also be engaging stakeholders and convey the resulting feedback on the matter to the Cabinet, Saravanan added, reports Bernama.