KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) has welcomed the tabling of the Gig Workers Bill 2025, describing it as a vital step towards recognising and protecting the rights of gig economy workers.
At the same time, SUHAKAM stressed that further refinements are needed to ensure the Bill delivers on its promise of dignity, fairness and protection, while maintaining the flexibility that makes gig work attractive and a key driver of growth.
Among its recommendations are establishing a clear framework for minimum payment rates, including rules on deductions and timelines for wage payments, enforcing mandatory PERKESO/EPF contributions by service providers, with legal action against non-compliant companies, and guaranteeing privacy protections, ensuring workers’ personal data is not misused for rating or scoring systems, in line with Article 12 of the UDHR.
It also suggested expanding access to legal aid through the National Legal Aid Foundation, and amending laws to explicitly allow gig workers to unionise and bargain collectively under the Industrial Relations Act 1967.
SUHAKAM also noted that the proposed Special Gig Economy Workers Commission must work across ministries, given the wide-ranging nature of gig workers’ issues.
It expressed regret that it was not consulted during the drafting of the Bill, despite its enhanced advisory role under the amended SUHAKAM Act. It also raised concern that the Bill was only made public at a late stage, limiting meaningful engagement.
“SUHAKAM should have been formally included in the consultation process. Therefore, SUHAKAM urges the Ministry concerned that at the Second Reading stage of the Bill in Parliament the Bill is not passed as yet. Instead the Bill ought to be submitted to the appropriate Parliamentary Select Committee for detail scrutiny by the PSC of the provisions of the Bill,” it said in a statement.
SUHAKAM said gig workers – including e-hailing and p-hailing drivers as well as freelancers in various sectors – are now integral to Malaysia’s economy and daily life. The Bill, which introduces legal recognition and extends workplace and social protections, is seen as an important move to address long-standing gaps in social protection, employment status, dispute resolution and safeguards on fair wages and workplace safety.
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