Kuala lumpur: The Labour Law Reform Coalition (LLRC) has urged Members of Parliament to pass the Gig Workers Bill 2025 during the current sitting, despite ongoing calls from platform providers to delay its implementation. LLRC vice president Andrew Lo emphasized the importance of the bill for providing better protection and a stronger social safety net for gig workers, particularly e-hailing drivers and riders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lo highlighted the reluctance of platform providers to accept mandatory contributions such as the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) and Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), which are intended to safeguard gig workers. He pointed out that e-hailing drivers and riders are at significant risk of commuting accidents, yet platform providers continue to resist mandatory contributions and coverage.

Lo further argued that allowing exemptions for platform providers creates an unfair competitive advantage over traditional employers, who are already obligated to make contributions on behalf of their workers. He criticized industry players for employing 'fear-mongering' tactics by claiming the bill would lead to increased costs and stifle innovation.

The bill, which was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday by the Human Resources Ministry, focuses on four key areas: the official definition of 'gig worker', regulations on income and payment rates, dispute resolution mechanisms, and social protection measures.