Kuala lumpur: The Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) is planning to introduce a financial management course for gig workers as part of efforts to help them plan their finances more effectively and empower the group. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim emphasized the necessity of this initiative to equip gig workers with essential financial knowledge, including saving, investing, and overall money management.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the roadshow kicked off in Kuala Lumpur with gig workers in the film sector and continued in Penang, primarily engaging with e-hailing drivers. Feedback from these sessions highlighted a significant need for a financial management course. Sim addressed reporters after attending the Penang Rider Jalan Teruih programme in Permatang Pauh, where he noted that a key issue was gig workers' understanding of tax obligations, which could be improved through structured financial literacy programmes.
Sim explained that during the programme, some participants expressed anxiety about paying taxes, indicating a gap in their understanding of taxation matters. He believes that financial literacy courses are essential to empower gig workers by providing the knowledge needed to better understand taxation and manage their finances effectively.
Kesuma plans to continue its nationwide tour to engage with gig workers, providing a platform to share information on the recently tabled Gig Workers Bill 2025 in Parliament. These engagement sessions also aim to address gig workers' concerns and explore solutions to their challenges.
In addition to financial management courses, Kesuma plans to offer skills training in areas such as motorcycle repair and cooking to support career development and create more job opportunities for gig workers. Sim also called on supermarkets, shopping centres, and food court operators to provide safer and more convenient waiting facilities for delivery riders, emphasizing the benefits for both workers and businesses.
The Penang Rider Jalan Teruih program gathered over 1,500 motorcyclists, mostly p-hailing workers, as part of Kesuma's information tour on the Gig Workers Bill 2025. The event included a three-kilometre motorcycle convoy led by Sim from the JPJ Seberang Jaya office to the main programme site in Permatang Pauh. It was organized by the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) in collaboration with the Penang Youth and Sports Department and the Penang Youth Development Centre (PYDC).
Motorcycle clubs such as Xtreme Bikers Club, MSBKC, Northern Versy Owner Group, Zontes 368G Northern Rider Club, PMTC, Sahabat Honda Penaga, ATMS, and RRC Grab 2W Penang participated in the event. The programme marked Sim's first direct engagement with 1,500 gig workers, where he explained the Gig Workers Bill 2025's role in strengthening protection for the community regarding labour law, social security, and workers' rights. Participants also enjoyed a lucky draw featuring an electric motorcycle (EV) as the grand prize, among other prizes, enhancing the event's significance in building ties between the government and the gig worker community.