KUALA LUMPUR: The Gig Workers Bill, tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today, is expected to evolve over time to enhance protection for gig workers, amid calls to address gaps in the proposed legislation.
Gabungan eHailing Malaysia (GEM) chief activist Jose Rizal said the Human Resources Ministry had already carried out a lengthy and comprehensive engagement process with the gig industry prior to the bill’s tabling.
As such, he said there should be no more excuses to delay its passage.
“The bill should be expedited to the second and third readings in the Dewan Rakyat and then to the Dewan Negara, without postponement,” he said when contacted today.
Jose previously told the New Straits Times that one of the gaps that must be addressed was the ‘pay floor’ or minimum income, which is crucial to protect gig workers from unfair pay rates.
He aid access to flexible retirement savings should be included as part of long-term preparation.
Jose said the bill currently covers four fundamental areas, namely, a clear definition of gig workers; determination of wage rates; complaints and dispute resolution mechanisms; and social protection for gig workers.
“These are the core pillars that the gig community has long demanded.
“As such, we believe that the bill will organically continue to evolve over time to further strengthen worker protection.
“The bill is not merely a legal document, but a form of validation and recognition of the nation’s gig workforce.
“It is also a game changer that marks a major turning point in safeguarding the welfare and protection of more than 1.2 million Malaysians who depend on the gig sector.”
Earlier, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim described the first reading of the bill as a historic milestone in recognising and protecting the rights of gig workers.
Sim also expressed hope that the bill could be tabled for its second and third readings by this week.
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