KUALA LUMPUR, September 1 — With the first parliamentary reading of the Gig Workers Bill set for August 14, industry stakeholders are urging caution, warning that the legislation is being rushed without adequate structural oversight. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan of MYmobility argued that the bill should be postponed until the Malaysia Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) is formally established to ensure policies align with industry needs.
“Pushing the Bill ahead of SEGiM’s formation is putting the cart before the horse,” he said, cautioning that the move could result in a misaligned regulatory framework. Despite assurances from Human Resources Minister Steven Sim that the bill was developed after consultations with over 3,000 workers and has received global praise, platform operators remain skeptical.
They raised concerns about the lack of transparency, with Kiddocare’s Rahman Hussin calling for the immediate release of the Regulatory Impact Analysis to assess potential compliance costs. Smaller operators, like Halo Delivery, warned that increased financial burdens could edge them out, consolidating market control in the hands of larger players.
At the same time, debates over worker protection, particularly for migrants, continue to stir controversy. Minister Sim reaffirmed the government’s human-rights-based approach to safeguarding migrant workers, distancing Malaysia from Singapore’s less stringent policies.
Sim also confirmed progress on the multi-tiered levy mechanism, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign labour and redirect funds toward automation and productivity under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
