Malaysia

Last-minute delay for Gig Workers Bill in Parliament

Technical scheduling cited as reason for deferral; activists remain hopeful for tabling before current session ends

Updated 9 months ago · Published on 13 Aug 2025 4:00PM

Last-minute delay for Gig Workers Bill in Parliament
“We are still hopeful it will be realised,” says Jose Rizal - August 13, 2025

THE long-anticipated tabling of the Gig Workers Bill, initially scheduled for presentation in the Dewan Rakyat tomorrow, has been postponed at the eleventh hour due to technical scheduling issues, according to the Malaysian e-Hailing Alliance (GEM).

GEM’s chief activist, Jose Rizal, confirmed the delay but said he had been assured the Bill would still be tabled during the current parliamentary sitting.

“For now, the tabling has been postponed due to parliamentary scheduling technicalities, but I’ve been informed that it will still be brought forward during this session,” he said when contacted by Harian Metro today.

Despite the setback, Jose said GEM remains confident that the proposed legislation, aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of gig economy workers, will materialise before the session concludes.

“The current Dewan Rakyat session runs until 28 August. So, we are still hopeful it will be realised,” he added.

He further stated that GEM would continue monitoring the Bill’s progress and keep the gig worker community informed of any further developments.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had announced during an industry engagement session that the Gig Workers Bill, designed to protect over a million gig economy workers in Malaysia, was expected to be tabled for its first reading on 14 August.

This marks the third postponement of the Bill. It was previously deferred in December 2024 and March 2025 following calls from gig economy companies for greater clarity, practicality and implement ability in its provisions.

Key features of the proposed Bill include a formal legal definition of gig workers, the introduction of minimum compensation thresholds, a clear complaint mechanism, and the inclusion of social security protections, including mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO). - August 13, 2025

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