KUALA LUMPUR – Professional Film Workers Association of Malaysia (Profima) president Khalil Sallehhas has called for the smooth passage of the Gig Workers Bill 2025, urging all stakeholders, including platform providers and opposition parties, not to interfere with its progress.
Khalil expressed hope that the first reading of the bill, which Human Resources Minister Steven Sim will present in Parliament next week, would finally address the longstanding issues facing creative workers.
These challenges, which have plagued the sector for over two decades, include the absence of income security, social protection, and job stability.
“We cannot allow any betrayal that could disrupt or prevent the passage of the Gig Workers Bill when it is tabled in Parliament, whether from platform providers, the opposition, or any other interested parties,” Khalil said in a statement.
“For years, those of us in the film and creative sectors have endured without robust legal protection. This is why we place our hopes in the Gig Workers Act, which we hope will finally become a reality to protect our rights, welfare, and future.”
Khalil further stressed that the issue extends beyond the arts sector, impacting approximately 1.2 million gig workers across various industries nationwide.
Profima has been actively engaged with Kesuma and other stakeholders throughout the consultation process. Khalil also expressed appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for his ongoing support and for his role in the establishment of the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (Segim).
He also thanked the Madani government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for their commitment to resolving the long-standing challenges faced by gig workers, including those in the film and creative industries.
Profima is confident that the implementation of the bill will create a fairer and more sustainable ecosystem for creative jobs, ultimately strengthening Malaysia’s film industry on the global stage. – 24 August 2025