According to economists and stakeholders, the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) should be established promptly to safeguard the interests of gig workers.
Lee Heng Guie, executive director of the Socio-Economic Research Centre (SERC), highlighted the need for this initiative to protect workers from unfair practices and cited the World Bank’s findings that 26% of Malaysia’s workforce is self-employed or independent, equating to four million people.
He noted that the demand for gig workers, especially in sectors such as ride-hailing, food delivery, and freelancing, is fueling the growth of the gig economy in Malaysia.
While gig workers enjoy flexible schedules and autonomy, they face challenges related to social protection, safety, welfare, rights, and health protection due to the short-term and non-binding nature of their relationship with employers or platform operators, Lee added.
The proposed commission should also address consumer rights, food safety concerns related to gig-based delivery services, and the welfare, rights, and representation of gig workers, he emphasized.
Additionally, Lee pointed out the concerns surrounding the bargaining power of gig workers in labor negotiations, the potential impact of mergers and acquisitions on market consolidation, and the potential for anti-competitive pricing.
Arif Asyraf Ali, president of Grab Drivers Malaysia Association, urged the government to expedite the establishment of the commission, especially in light of the ongoing dispute over fare structures affecting e-hailing workers. He emphasized the need for the commission to prevent the exploitation of e-hailing workers.
Economist Dr Baayah Baba stressed the importance of ensuring that gig workers are adequately insured and receive benefits such as paid leave and sick leave through the proposed commission, while Prof Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai commented that the commission, while beneficial in certain aspects, may not resolve issues related to gig workers’ income.
