PETALING JAYA: A balance between gig workers’ protection and the industry’s sustainability must be achieved in the now- postponed Gig Workers’ Economy Bill before it is tabled again, say gig worker associations.
Malaysian eHailing Association (GEM) chief activist Jose Rizal said the Bill must balance worker protections with the operational viability of platforms, or risk crashing the industry.
“While the delay is frustrating for gig workers seeking immediate protection, rushing the legislation could lead to over-regulation or gaps that might harm both workers and platforms.
“Excessive regulation will stifle innovation or discourage platform investment in the country, which will harm us in the long run.
“This will then reduce job opportunities for gig workers and affect overall economic benefits for the nation,” he told The Star.
He said the Bill’s delay was now an opportunity to refine it and ensure it is comprehensive, inclusive and balanced.
He also emphasised the need for continuous engagement with all stakeholders.
On issues he hoped the Bill would address, Jose said detailed provisions on basic protections, fair treatment, unionism and income stability for gig workers should be included.
“These provisions will preserve the flexibility of gig jobs that attract new workers to the gig economy while ensuring platforms become accountable to provide essential safeguards.
“This includes aspects such as including gig workers in PERKESO, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and providing adequate dispute resolution mechanisms.”
Malaysia E-Hailing Drivers Association president Daryl Chong had a similar view, adding that the Bill’s postponement would allow for additional stakeholder engagement to address lesser known issues.
Chong said these issues include algorithm-based decision-making commonly used by gig platforms.
“Currently, most gig employment platforms will make decisions based on statistics alone, such as the number of trips or hours clocked, without regard for gig workers’ working environment or condition.
“As such, there has to be a provision which makes it mandatory for these employers to have frequent in-person monitoring, supervision and consultation with their gig workers before making decisions on their salary.
“The government could also implement income support schemes that help gig workers make up for lost income,” he said.
On Nov 14, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the proposed Gig Workers’ Economy Bill was on track to be tabled in Parliament in December.
The sudden announcement drew massive pushback from think-tanks and gig industry players, who called for the Bill’s tabling to be postponed until proper engagement with industry stakeholders was done.
This industry-wide criticism led unity government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil to announce the immediate halt to tabling the Bill at a post-Cabinet meeting press conference on Nov 22.
