HEADLINES

Gig Workers Act 2025 to be enforced by end of March: Ramanan

Human Resources Minister says the Act will extend formal worker protections to over 1.2 million gig workers, with consultative council membership to be announced soon

3:56 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – The Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872) will take effect by the end of March once all implementation mechanisms, including the consultative council, tribunal and related offices, are finalised, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.

He said the membership structure of the gig workers’ consultative council would be announced later, with priority given to major platforms such as Grab that employ a significant share of gig workers.

(From left) TalentCorp Group Chief Executive Officer Edward Ling; Grab Malaysia Managing Director Adelene Foo; and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan posing with the Grab Malaysia community after officiating the Grab Partner Campus here today. – Grab Malaysia pic, January 26, 2026

“We need a little time to finalise the membership structure and will announce it soon,” he said, adding that priority has to be given to those operating on a large scale.

Ramanan was speaking to reporters after launching the Grab Partner Campus here today.

Gazetted on Dec 31, the Act aims to safeguard the social security, welfare and dignity of gig workers, extending protections similar to those enjoyed by formal employees to more than 1.2 million people in the sector.

He noted that Grab had pledged to increase its contribution to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) for registered gig workers to 15 per cent, up from 10 per cent previously.

The company will also provide training and upskilling opportunities for 5,000 workers this year, supported by government funding through the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK).

On regulating gig workers’ income, Ramanan said the national minimum wage of RM1,700 remains the baseline, while rider pay is determined by individual platforms.

(Fourth from left) Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan during his visit to the Grab Partner Campus today. – Grab Malaysia pic, January 26, 2026

He dismissed calls for a uniform minimum fare, warning it could burden e-hailing platforms still struggling to achieve profitability.

“Many think that if we just look after the workers, everything will be okay. That may be popular, but as I’ve told all senior ministry officials, we must have a balance,” he said.

The Kampus Rakan Grab (KRG) hubs marks a pivotal shift in its approach towards partner support.

Moving beyond providing earning opportunities, Grab is now committed to fostering the holistic growth of its partners.

The revamped Grab Driver Centres, starting with the Petaling Jaya location, will serve as dedicated economic empowerment hubs.

These spaces aim to equip driver-, delivery-, and merchant-partners with the necessary skills and digital confidence to succeed in a rapidly changing economy.

“Our partners have always been the backbone of our journey. As the economy transforms, our role must evolve from being a platform for earning to becoming a dedicated partner for their long-term growth,” said Grab Malaysia Managing Director Adelene Foo.

“Kampus Rakan Grab is our way of listening and responding to our partners’ aspirations. We are humbled to play a part in their growth, and we envision this hub as a space for upskilling, networking, and building the resilience needed to succeed both within and beyond the Grab ecosystem.” – January 26, 2026

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