KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has vehemently denied claims that it has supported the controversial Gig Workers Bill.
In a statement, MTUC clarified that it is firmly against the Bill in its current form, calling for an immediate postponement of its reading in the Dewan Negara.
According to MTUC, the allegations that they backed the Bill are entirely misleading and do not reflect the true position of the union.
At a crucial meeting held on 7 September 2025, MTUC’s central council (Majlis AM) made it clear that they were unanimously in favour of delaying the Bill until comprehensive consultations with all relevant parties, particularly gig workers, can take place.
The union emphasised that a rushed Bill would fail to address the real issues faced by those working in the gig economy and could potentially lead to detrimental consequences for these workers.
“We are not in support of the Gig Workers Bill as it stands. The facts are clear: our Majlis AM has collectively agreed that it needs to be postponed so that there can be further dialogue and consultation,” MTUC secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor said.
“It is crucial that we listen to gig workers and their representative associations, as they are the ones directly affected by this legislation. Only then can we ensure that their rights and well-being are genuinely protected.”
MTUC has expressed deep concerns over the lack of engagement with the National Labour Centre, which represents the interests of workers in Malaysia, and called on the government to delay the Bill’s passage until meaningful discussions can be held.
The union also stressed that the draft of the Bill should be re-evaluated with input from all stakeholders, including gig workers, to ensure it reflects the complexities of the modern workforce.
The union’s call for a delay is backed by its firm belief that the current version of the Gig Workers Bill does not adequately safeguard the rights of gig economy workers, who often lack the protections enjoyed by traditional employees.
MTUC pointed out that workers in sectors like e-hailing and delivery services are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and uncertain working conditions. It is critical, the union argues, that the Bill takes into account their specific needs and challenges.
MTUC has also sent a formal letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, urging them to pause the Bill’s reading in the Dewan Negara until further consultations are completed.
The union has expressed confidence that, with proper input from all stakeholders, the Gig Workers Bill could be crafted into a comprehensive, world-class piece of legislation that would benefit both workers and the economy.
In addition, MTUC has reiterated the importance of adhering to international labour standards, particularly ILO Convention 144, which mandates tripartite consultations involving the government, employers, and trade unions.
The union insists that this process must be followed to ensure that any legislation affecting workers’ rights is fully inclusive and well-considered.
“Rushing the Bill through without proper consultation is not only unfair to gig workers, but it also undermines the credibility of the process,” Kamarul said.
“We urge the government to engage in open dialogue with all parties involved to ensure that the final version of the Bill is a reflection of the needs and concerns of workers in the gig economy.”
MTUC also voiced support for the recent statements made by gig worker associations, such as those representing e-hailing and p-hailing drivers, which have similarly called for a delay.
The union suggested that government officials and policy makers should spend time interacting directly with gig workers, even by working in their roles for a period, in order to better understand the daily challenges they face.
With the future of the gig economy and the rights of its workers at stake, MTUC remains committed to ensuring that any legislation that governs this space is fair, just, and built upon the foundation of genuine consultation and collaboration. – September 9, 2025