KUALA LUMPUR — As Malaysia’s Gig Workers Act gears up for enforcement at the end of March, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has stepped up direct engagement with key stakeholders in the country’s gig economy.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, together with Deputy Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, met representatives from a wide range of gig industry associations, including PENGHANTAR, Gabungan eHailing Malaysia (GEM), Persatuan Jurusolek Bumiputera Malaysia, Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Jurubahasa dan Penterjemah Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia, and Pertubuhan Advokasi dan Kesejahteraan Pekak Malaysia.
The sessions gave stakeholders a platform to raise concerns and offer recommendations on issues such as social protection, safety contributions, dispute resolution, fair income structures, and the responsibilities of platform providers. Ramanan said the feedback will inform future consultations with other stakeholders, including platform companies.
“Gig workers are no longer a marginal or temporary sector,” Ramanan said.
“Many are primary breadwinners, and some have chosen gig work as a long-term career. Our policy must be comprehensive, realistic, and centred on worker welfare.”
The minister added that face-to-face consultations are crucial. “Reports and statistics cannot replace hearing directly from workers. No policy is drafted behind closed doors. Every decision goes through a thorough consultation process to ensure smooth implementation.”
Ramanan said the goal of his ministry is not just to pass the act but to build a sustainable, balanced framework that protects both workers and the industry, reflecting the growing importance of gig work in Malaysia’s economy.— February 24, 2026