Malaysia mulls legislation to protect gig workers’ needs

The government is concerned over the needs and welfare of some four million Malaysians working in the gig economy.
By: | May 5, 2022
Topics: Employment Law | Health and Wellness | Malaysia | News

Malaysia will be looking into the needs of its gig economy workers, which the Human Resources Ministry has said is on its to-do list.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan has highlighted that the ministry is concerned over the needs and welfare of some four million Malaysians working in the gig economy.

The number of gig workers in the country has increased rapidly compared to its pre-pandemic days, which numbered some 500,000 workers then. 

“We will be looking into whether there is a need to draw legislation specifically to oversee and protect workers in the gig economy,” said the minister, according to The Star. 

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“Employees now have a choice to gain employment in other sectors, and the gig economy offers higher income based on their skills,” he added. 

With the number of gig workers in the country rising, the Social Security Organisation has introduced a special social security scheme to provide protection for those who are self-employed.