PUTRAJAYA: The Human Resources Ministry has outlined nine strategic priorities for the next two years, including the establishment of a Gig Consultative Council and a Gig Tribunal, as part of its ongoing comprehensive reform agenda to strengthen the country’s employment ecosystem.
Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the council and tribunal will serve as governance and dispute-resolution mechanisms that are fair, efficient, and aligned with the realities of the country’s workforce.
“In the first quarter of next year, we aim for an interim team to examine all necessary aspects for the establishment of the Gig Consultative Council,” he said during a press conference following his first-day briefing and official ‘clock in’ as the minister today.
Ramanan added that, beyond the gig sector, the ministry will prioritise continuous labour law reform to ensure the legal framework remains relevant, progressive, and responsive to shifts in the employment landscape.
To ensure sustainable workforce development, the ministry is also focusing on drafting the National Human Resources Policy 2026–2035 as the country’s long-term guiding document.
In strengthening compliance with international labour standards, the ministry will implement the National Action Plan on Forced Labour 2.0 from 2026 to 2030 and introduce a tiered levy mechanism to ensure a fair and industry-based system for workforce training and development funding.
The ministry also plans to restructure and consolidate enforcement functions across the Labour Departments of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, the Industrial Relations Department, and the Trade Union Affairs Department to enhance service efficiency.
“We also plan to establish the Kesuma Academy as a centre for capacity building, leadership training, and competency development for ministry staff and the national human resources ecosystem.
“Worker social protection will continue to be strengthened through Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), including expanding the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) and matching contribution initiatives to increase coverage for informal and self-employed workers,” he added.
To broaden access to labour justice, the ministry is planning the introduction of Mobile Labour Courts (MLC) to assist workers in rural areas and high-risk sectors.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
