KUALA LUMPUR — Eleven coalitions of non‑governmental organisations (NGOs) representing workers and consumers have called for the immediate postponement of the Gig Workers Act, which is set to take effect tomorrow, warning that its rushed implementation could harm thousands of gig economy workers.
The Secretary‑General of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), Kamarul Baharin Mansor, said the bill was pushed through without proper consultation with MTUC or other relevant stakeholders, calling the process “unusual and unfair.”
“MTUC does not agree with the implementation of the Gig Workers Act because there has been no discussion between MTUC and the government. We see this law as somewhat unusual because it was brought directly to Parliament without proper and fair consultation,” he told reporters at Wisma MTUC in Subang Jaya today.
Kamarul pointed out that previous labour welfare laws were thoroughly debated with MTUC before reaching Parliament, a process he said was completely absent in the drafting of this Act.
“Previously, laws related to workers’ welfare went through proper discussion with MTUC. But for this Act, no such consultation took place, so we don’t even know what it was intended to do,” he added.
The MTUC warned that if the government ignores their concerns, they may escalate the issue to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which is currently reviewing global standards for gig economy work.
“This is not just a local matter. If Malaysia proceeds without addressing these issues, we may escalate this to international bodies that discuss gig economy work,” Kamarul said.
The coalition also criticised the government’s newly formed advisory structures under the Act, questioning whether the Gig Consultative Council and the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) would genuinely represent workers’ interests.
For the record, SEGiM, recently approved by the Cabinet, is tasked with regulating gig work, ensuring social security coverage, and coordinating policies for the sector. Government statements describe it as a central body to oversee the Gig Workers Act 2025 and address gaps in EPF and SOCSO participation.
Kamarul said he was concerned that the new advisory bodies may add bureaucratic layers without real enforcement power.
“We need to ensure these platforms actually protect workers, not just create committees that look good on paper,” he said.
Ten other NGO coalitions which joined MTUC in opposing the Bill’s implementation without proper consultation. These include the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM), the Malaysian Economic Movement (GEM), the Malaysian P‑Hailing Deliverers Association (Penghantar), the Digital Gig Activist Economic Sustainability Organisation (Lead Malaysia), and the Malaysian E‑Hailing Industry Workers Welfare Association (PKEH).
Also present were the Melaka Gig Workforce Organisation, the Melaka Digital Economy Association (EDiM), the Melaka Delivery Partners Association (RPM), the Kedah Delivery Partners Association (RPK), and the Perak Motorcycle Delivery Services Welfare Association (PKPPBP).
The coalitions stressed the urgent need for inclusive dialogue to ensure any legislation genuinely protects gig workers without jeopardising the sector’s sustainability.
“We urge the government not to rush its implementation until these consultations and impact assessments are conducted,” Kamarul said. - March 30, 2026
The post MTUC blasts rushed Gig Workers Bill on eve of implementation, demands halt over lack of consultation appeared first on Scoop.
