PUTRAJAYA: The Gig Workers Bill that is set to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat will create a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable work ecosystem for the creative industry, said the Professional Film Workers Association of Malaysia (Profima).
Its president, Khalil Saleh, said when the law is passed, Malaysia will become an example in the region in recognising and protecting gig workers, particularly in the film, television and creative industries.
Khalil said these sectors formed the backbone of the nation’s cultural development and identity.
He added that a law protecting gig workers was a step in resolving the issues burdening creative workers for more than two decades.
“More importantly, this issue does not only concern the arts sector, but also more than 1.2 million gig workers in various sectors nationwide, who are all awaiting this law as a safeguard for their livelihoods and a guarantee of fair employment,” he said in a statement.
The association hoped that the bill would be supported by all members of parliament.
After more than a year of memorandums, consultations and heated debate, the long-awaited Gig Workers Bill is set to be tabled in Parliament by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim next week.
The bill, crafted after 37 engagement sessions with more than 3,800 stakeholders across government agencies, state authorities, platform operators, employers, unions and gig worker associations, aims to bring clarity to a sector that has for years existed in a legal vacuum.
One of the key elements of the bill, according to a Human Resources Ministry document, is the definition of gig workers, with contracts required to state terms of service, obligations and payments.
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