THE proposed Bill to provide legal protection for Malaysia’s growing gig economy workforce is expected to be tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat on 14 August, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced.
The second reading of the Gig Workers Bill (Rang Undang-Undang (RUU) Pekerja Gig) is scheduled for 26 August, followed by debate from both government and opposition Members of Parliament before being put to a vote.
“This Bill has been specifically drafted to provide appropriate protection for workers in the gig economy, which is rapidly expanding,” Zahid said during a casual ‘Sembang Santai Teh Tarik Industri Gig’ session with Human Resources Minister Steven Sim at the World Trade Centre (WTC) on Thursday.
“It is our hope that this law can be passed before the end of the current parliamentary sitting,” he added.
Zahid also revealed that a stakeholder engagement session with employers and gig worker representatives will be held on 30 August to strengthen the contents of the Bill further.
Touching on social protection for gig workers, Zahid stressed the urgent need to raise awareness on contributing to the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO).
“Out of 1.12 million gig workers, only 188,000 from the p-hailing sector and 132,000 from the e-hailing sector are currently contributing. This shows that a large number remain unprotected,” he said.
To address this, the government will soon launch a large-scale awareness campaign to ensure greater coverage and protection for gig economy workers. - August 8, 2025
