Kuala lumpur: The Gig Workers Bill 2025 passed by the Parliament yesterday will offer over a million gig workers in the country adequate coverage they have never enjoyed previously. Malaysian Gig Economic Council (MyGiG) chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said the bill is an important milestone in ensuring the welfare and rights of gig workers, especially in e-hailing and p-hailing sectors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the bill provides specific guidelines to protect gig workers, balance the interests of digital platform providers, and set up a Malaysian Gig Economy Commission as a supervisory body to ensure effective enforcement of the law. Mohd Sharkar emphasized that Malaysia stands out as the first country to introduce a specific bill for gig workers, whereas other nations have only implemented general rules.

He noted that income has been one of the biggest issues facing gig workers, as they previously lacked complete protection. The passage of this bill offers them a new sense of hope. Mohd Sharkar also remarked on the significance of starting an initiative that points towards the future, highlighting that although improvements are necessary, the establishment of a Gig Workers Bill is a historic step.

The e-hailing and p-hailing industries have previously faced challenges related to payment rates, licenses, and digital platform operation structures, often involving multiple ministries and lacking clear guidelines. With the new Act, ministries can now collaborate to draft more effective solutions. Mohd Sharkar expressed confidence that the Malaysian Gig Economic Commission will strengthen the sector's ecosystem, which is expected to become a key contributor to the country's workforce in the future.