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AS preparations intensify ahead of the enforcement of Malaysia’s Gig Workers legislation in March, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has expanded its engagement with key stakeholders across the gig economy to facilitate a smooth transition into the new regulatory framework.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, accompanied by Deputy Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, recently met leaders of several gig industry bodies during a buka puasa gathering.
Among those in attendance were representatives from 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 engagement provided stakeholders with an opportunity to present feedback and proposals on key issues, including social protection coverage, contribution mechanisms, occupational safety, dispute resolution processes, fair income structures, and the responsibilities of digital platform operators.
Insights gathered from the session are expected to inform further discussions with platform providers and other relevant parties.
“Our objective is to establish a framework that is fair, practical and sustainable for both workers and platform providers,” Ramanan said, noting that the gig economy has grown into a significant component of the national labour market.
“The gig economy brings flexibility and opportunity, but it also requires appropriate structures to ensure long-term stability,” he said.
Ramanan acknowledged that many gig workers serve as primary breadwinners and are building long-term careers within the sector, stressing that their welfare must not be regarded as secondary.
He emphasised that the government’s approach remains consultative and measured.
“Our priority is to strike a fair balance — safeguarding workers’ rights while preserving the flexibility that defines gig employment.”
“We are committed to ensuring that implementation proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary disruption,” he assured.
In a separate statement, Gabungan eHailing Malaysia expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with the minister, describing the session as a meaningful platform to formally outline the coalition’s role and raise current issues affecting the e-hailing and p-hailing community.
The coalition noted that senior ministry officials and representatives from agencies under KESUMA were also present, reflecting what it described as a coordinated effort to strengthen the gig ecosystem and enhance social protection measures.
Later, the minister took part in an informal dialogue session with association representatives and gig workers in Bangsar, in a ground-level engagement aimed at hearing concerns directly from the community.
Ramanan said the ministry’s broader goal is to establish a durable and balanced framework that protects workers while enabling the gig industry to continue contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s economic growth.
Since taking office at KESUMA, Ramanan has advanced a series of labour market and workforce reforms, including the launch of Malaysia’s first AI-powered MYFutureJobs Career Exploration Centre to address skills mismatch and improve graduate employability.
He has overseen governance enhancements at the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp), introduced a temporary HRD levy exemption for private education institutions to ease sectoral financial pressures, and expanded skills development programmes targeting broader community participation.
His tenure has also focused on reinforcing social protection mechanisms through PERKESO and steering preparations for the implementation of the Gig Workers Act, including plans for structured engagement with industry stakeholders. – February 26, 2026