The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has welcomed the Gig Workers Bill 2025 but called for it to be referred to a parliamentary select committee for a thorough review ahead of its passage.
While supporting provisions in the bill to prevent discrimination, unfair dismissal, and provide access to social protection and dispute resolution, NUJ general secretary Teh Athira Yusof said further scrutiny was required.
“For the benefit of our freelance members, the NUJ welcomes and is ready to work with the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the legislation is consistent with human rights principles and contributes to the goal of decent work for all,” she said in a statement.
Teh Athira said freelancers, whether reporters or photographers, had long worked without proper labour protection, as if their contribution to the media industry did not deserve recognition.
“By introducing legal recognition and extending social and workplace protections, the bill marks a positive move towards addressing long-standing vulnerabilities faced by freelancers,” she said.
“Freelancers are part of the NUJ’s scope of membership and must be explicitly given the right to engage in collective bargaining to ensure their voices are heard in shaping fairer working conditions.”
Teh Athira stressed that companies engaging freelancers should make mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and EPF, with legal consequences for non-compliance.
“It is hoped that the bill will be a catalyst for wider participation, and make social protection a basic necessity rather than an option,” she added.
The Gig Workers Bill 2025 was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 28. It is scheduled for a second reading in the Dewan Negara before being gazetted.
It seeks to provide recognition and protection for gig workers.
