KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resources Minister Steven Sim described the first reading of the Gig Workers Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat here today as a “historic milestone” in recognising and protecting the rights of gig workers.
In a press conference, he expressed hope that “we can complete the second and third readings by this week”.
“I appeal to all parties.
“This bill was not drafted based on our imagination but prepared after extensive feedback gathering from all parties.
“Of course, it cannot fulfil the demands of all sides, but at least we gathered input from every stakeholder,” he said.
He said the bill stemmed from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call during the Bumiputera Economic Congress on March 4, 2024, to address challenges faced by gig workers.
Following this, the ministry commissioned a study with Universiti Malaya on the policy and legal framework for workers in Malaysia.
Sim said a dedicated drafting committee was later formed, with representatives from the ministry agencies and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (A-GC).
“We held 28 workshops and meetings, and consulted the A-GC seven times to refine and finalise the draft.
“This is a turning point in our labour legislation.
“For the first time, gig workers will be formally acknowledged in law, and their rights and welfare will be protected comprehensively,” he said.
From Oct 22, 2024, to Aug 7 this year, the ministry held 37 engagement sessions with stakeholders, including gig workers, platform providers, government agencies and state governments in Sabah and Sarawak.
“These included two special meetings with the deputy prime minister, a town hall session with me, and 13 discussions with gig workers and platform operators.
The bill, which seeks to protect the rights and welfare of Malaysia’s 1.2 million gig workers, was tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Sim said the second reading was scheduled for this parliamentary session, which will conclude on Aug 28.
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.
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