My MBA students had asked me “Who are actually the Gig Economy workers under Malaysia Budget 2027?” As a management educator & HR practitioner, I explained that "The Gig workers are those independent contractors, freelancers, or self-employed individuals who are paid per task, project, or ride rather than receiving a traditional fixed salary. In Malaysia, these workers are generally classified into two main categories: 1. Platform-Based Gig Workers are individuals rely on digital applications or tech platforms to secure short-term tasks or services: E-Hailing Drivers providing rideshare services through apps like Grab, airasia Ride, and Maxim; P-Hailing Riders provide delivery riders transporting food, groceries, or parcels via platforms like Foodpanda, GrabFood, Shopee Food, Lalamove, Halo Delivery; On-Demand Service Providers are independent offering home cleaning, plumbing, air-con servicing, beauty services via platforms like Recommended.my or Koadim.
2. Independent Freelancers and Knowledge Workers defined as professionals who are professionals who contract their skills out to multiple clients on a project-by-project basis, often using global or local freelance platforms (like Upwork, Fiverr, or Workana): Creative Professionals who are freelance graphic designers, copywriters, video editors, photographers, and content creators; Tech Professionals are independent software developers, web designers, UI/UX consultants & data analysts; Professional Consultants are freelance accountants, translators, tutors & digital strategists."
I understand Gig workers (including me as an adjunct professor & independent consultant) welcome Budget 2027 which offers aid to ease costs, boost earnings. The headline initiative is a RM160 million package jointly funded by the government & Grab. Direct Income & Operating Cost Relief with the median monthly income is projected to increase by up to RM227 for e-hailing drivers and RM100 for delivery riders through optimized welfare frameworks; Vehicle Maintenance by direct assistance programs to help workers ease the cost of maintaining their motorcycles and cars; Insurance Coverage by subsidized or extended insurance protection to cover on-the-road risks. Enhanced Social Safety Nets include PERKESO (SOCSO) Matching, and EPF Retirement Savings.
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