Malaysia

SOCSO enforces mandatory social protection for gig workers under new law

Social Security Organisation begins enforcing the Workers Gig Act 2025 requiring digital platform providers to register and contribute on behalf of gig workers

Updated 4 months ago · Published on 16 May 2026 12:48PM

SOCSO enforces mandatory social protection for gig workers under new law
The Act requires service platform operators to integrate their worker data systems with the agency to facilitate monitoring and verification processes - May 16, 2026

THE Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) has begun enforcing the Workers Gig Act 2025, making it compulsory for digital platform providers to ensure gig workers are registered and contributing under the national social protection scheme.

Perlis SOCSO director Ahmad Firdaus Hashim said the law, which came into force on 31 March, also requires service platform operators to integrate their worker data systems with the agency to facilitate monitoring and verification processes.

He said the integration mechanism was crucial in ensuring assistance could be delivered quickly and efficiently should workers be involved in accidents or emergencies while carrying out their duties.

“From that date, protection coverage has already commenced. Once this data integration exists, we can ensure all information across every platform is synchronised and make certain the contributions are paid,” he said when met yesterday.

The move marks a significant step in formalising social security coverage for Malaysia’s rapidly expanding gig economy workforce, particularly those involved in transport, food delivery and logistics services.

According to Ahmad, a total of 5,044 self-employed contributors across 20 sectors were registered with SOCSO in Perlis last year.

Of that figure, 385 individuals were gig workers engaged in passenger transport, goods delivery and food delivery services.

The enforcement of the new legislation is aimed at strengthening welfare protection for gig workers, many of whom previously operated outside traditional employment frameworks without guaranteed insurance or social security coverage. - May 16, 2026

Spotlight

Malaysia

Nhaveen murder trial: Accused admits taunting victim but denies fatal assault

Malaysia

MCMC probes alleged AI sexual abuse targeting Kedah pupils, teachers

Malaysia

Anwar checks final preparations for Budget 2027

Malaysia

Sarawak election could be called within weeks of Budget 2027

Malaysia

Anwar contacts Prabowo over ‘alarming’ transboundary haze

Malaysia

King calls for schools in haze-hit areas to close

Malaysia

Parents worry over children’s exposure as haze worsens

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

You may be interested

Malaysia

Bullying case involving student with ruptured spleen referred to Negeri legal office

Malaysia

Budget 2027: Civil servants to receive RM1,500 special aid; retirees, RM750

Malaysia

Budget 2027: SARA, STR aid raised to RM16bil for 2027

Malaysia

Budget 2027: Minimum wage to rise to RM2,000 from June 2027 – Anwar

Malaysia

Attorney General directs PDRM to record Mohd Shuhaily's statement

Malaysia

We were attacked. We are back. And we will not be silenced

By Vinod Sekhar

Malaysia

Yet another attempt to cut off the voice of The Vibes

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

Budget 2027: MOE continues to receive highest allocation