KUALA LUMPUR: Grab in Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure regulations governing the gig economy are carefully designed to reflect the realities of gig work.
The company, in a statement today, stressed that regulations should be well-crafted and sustainable, rather than rushed, for the benefit of all parties.
The statement follows Grab‘s participation in a discussion with the Finance and Economy Select Committee in Parliament on Aug 18.
The session, chaired by Paya Besar member of parliament Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah, provided a meaningful platform for the company to share its views on the upcoming Gig Workers Bill.
In line with earlier feedback provided alongside other industry players, Grab highlighted that the bill should be built upon three key principles.
Firstlyo, the company believes regulations must preserve gig workers’ flexibility and income opportunities.
However, it cautioned that excessive rules could stifle innovation, disrupt operations and limit gig opportunities.
Smaller players in the sector may also struggle with high compliance costs, while a one-size-fits-all policy would not suit the effort-based nature of gig work.
Secondly, Grab called for a clear, fair and inclusive bill that safeguards innovation while supporting Malaysia’s digital economy.
It noted that unclear policy alignment could result in weak implementation, ultimately harming the very workers the Bill aims to protect.
The company also urged for a thorough regulatory impact assessment and gradual policy rollout to avoid unintended consequences such as higher costs for consumers or reduced earnings for gig workers.
A phased approach, it added, would give businesses time to prepare the resources needed for compliance.
Finally, Grab emphasised the importance of a thoughtful, inclusive and data-driven approach to regulation that serves the long-term interests of all stakeholders.
Given the diversity and evolving nature of the gig economy, the company stressed the need for collaboration between regulators, platforms and workers.
It further urged that the framework cover all forms of gig work, not just platform-based jobs, to ensure fairness across the sector.
Regulations, it said, should encourage innovation while safeguarding workers’ independence and adaptability to future needs.
Grab said at its core, the company has been focused on creating flexible earning opportunities for its driver- and delivery-partners, enabling them to decide their own work patterns and hours.
Over the years, the company said it has invested heavily in their welfare, providing group personal accident insurance coverage, facilitating contributions to social protection schemes, offering upskilling and professional development programmes and extending day-to-day benefits such as fuel discounts.
“We are committed to actively engage in further discussions that will shape effective and balanced regulations that protect gig workers and drive growth in Malaysia’s digital economy,” it added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
