PETALING JAYA: Postpone the tabling of the Gig Workers’ Economy Bill in December until proper discussions with industry stakeholders are done, gig industry players urge.
The gig industry employers of foodpanda, GoGet, Grab, Halo Delivery, Kiddocare and Lalamove say there has been limited dialogue between the ministry and industry players on the bill.
“Neither industry players nor gig workers were fully consulted, no full draft of the proposed amendments has been shared, and the feedback process has been limited.
“To ensure a balanced and well-informed framework, we respectfully request the Bill’s tabling in December to be postponed to allow for more comprehensive consultations with both gig workers and industry players,” the industry players said in a joint statement on Thursday (Nov 21).
The group warned that failure to engage with industry stakeholders could cause unintended consequences including inefficient implementation, higher entry barriers for gig workers, vendor business disruptions and higher prices for consumers.
They called for the bill to be shared for review and input from industry stakeholders in a phased consultation process and to broaden what defines gig workers.
“By defining gig workers as a distinct category beyond just e-hailing and p-hailing to include all relevant sectors will allow for regulations to be tailored to the unique nature of gig work.
“This will in turn help to develop effective, balanced regulations that benefit all parts of the gig work ecosystem,” it said.
The group also advocated for the government to implement a market-driven approach to gig worker compensation in the bill, which will allow gig workers to move freely across jobs and industries based on demand and willingness to pay.
“This will help maintain a balance, avoiding potential challenges, such as higher consumer prices, reduced demand, and lower earnings for gig workers.
“This will ensure fair earnings while keeping services accessible and sustainable,” it said.
They also suggested that gig workers should be allowed to voluntarily enrol in social protection schemes which would allow gig workers to preserve their autonomy and flexibility.
“A well-crafted and balanced regulatory framework should uphold the flexibility of the gig economy while protecting gig workers, fostering innovation, and addressing consumer needs,” it added.
This comes after Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the proposed bill was on track to be tabled in Parliament in December, on Nov 14.
Last month, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also gave a similar deadline, adding that the bill would be tabled after debate on the Supply Bill 2025 concluded.
The announcement saw transport think tank MY Mobility Vision call for the bill to be delayed until next year, citing reasons similar to the gig industry players’s concerns.
