KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resources Minister Steven Sim says the newly passed Gig Workers Bill 2025 is a major step toward ensuring fairness and transparency.
“I believe that by having this law, we provide certainty and transparency. In other words, we are levelling the playing field.
“Not only will this apply to large platforms, but now smaller platforms must also comply,” he told a press conference in Parliament today.
The bill, granting over 1.2 million gig workers the right to negotiate wages and working conditions, secured majority approval from Members of Parliament through a voice vote on the final day of this sitting.
He added; “I believe this will certainly strengthen our country’s digital economy and gig economy and give confidence to investors, especially when Malaysia is seen as a country that respects international labour standards and practices.”
Meanwhile, the eHailing Malaysia Coalition (Gem) chief activist Jose Rizal said; “Our new chapter begins now. This marks a new beginning in shaping the future of gig workers in Malaysia.
“All our struggles will one day be etched into the history of the gig workers’ movement, proof that we once stood firm and defied the odds in the name of justice.”
He also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sim, civil servants and government agencies and non-governmental organisations who have dedicated their energy, time and commitment to making this vision a reality.
North-South Initiative founder Adrian Pereira said; “It had been an honour walk alongside gig workers, especially our friends from the eHailing Malaysia Coalition, in pushing for this bill to be tabled.
“I have been working with several ministries and the Human Resources Ministry Ministry has set a very high standard. I hope this becomes the benchmark for Malaysia, especially in the formulation of laws and regulations, because many others have been done behind closed doors, in secrecy.
“Congratulations, but with greater transparency comes greater accountability. And that, in turn, means stronger checks and balances.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
