KUALA LUMPUR – The government through the Human Resources Ministry is planning to establish the 2023 p-hailing pro tem committee in an effort to protect gig economy workers in terms of social protection, welfare improvement along with skills and knowledge training.
In a parliamentary written reply, the ministry stated the 2024 p-hailing and platform provider company guidelines had been drafted and proposed with six main components.
“This guideline will provide basic principles as references to develop good relationships with stakeholders in the gig industry.
“The main elements contained in the guidelines are income; social protection; gig workers’ safety awareness and health; freedom of work; voice and negotiation; skill training opportunities; career guidance and gig workers ecosystem,” the ministry said.
The ministry was responding to a question by Rodziah Ismail (Ampang-PH) who asked about the government’s plans to introduce new laws to protect all stakeholders in the e-hailing and p-hailing ecosystem.
This guideline, the ministry added, can be the reference point for gig workers and platform provider companies to establish a well-organised and harmonious environment for gig workers’ welfare and protection.
At present, there are currently no international or local regulations to protect workers in the gig industry, as the government acknowledges the risks these workers are facing on a daily basis based on the feedback received. – November 17, 2023