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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced two major initiatives to enhance the welfare of Malaysian workers: the launch of the MADANI Workers’ Card and the upcoming tabling of the Gig Workers Bill in Parliament.
Speaking at the 2025 National Labour Day celebration held at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, Anwar revealed that the MADANI Workers’ Card will offer up to 30 per cent discounts on essential goods and services to one million unionised workers.
“The Madani Workers’ Card will provide union member holders with discounts. This is in appreciation of workers for their hard work in carrying out their duties and trust,” Anwar said.
More than 100 companies have pledged support for the initiative, including well-known brands such as AEON, Mydin, Jakel, Marrybrown, Genting, Old Town White Coffee, Zuss Coffee, SOCAR, and Bateriku. Further details on the programme will be released in an official media statement soon, the Prime Minister added.
In a move welcomed by labour advocates, Anwar also confirmed that the long-anticipated Gig Workers Bill will be tabled during the next sitting of the Dewan Rakyat. The legislation aims to provide formal protections for the growing number of Malaysians engaged in gig and platform-based work.
“Insya-Allah, the challenges faced by gig workers will be addressed through the Gig Workers Bill, which will be tabled at the next Parliament session,” he said, acknowledging the current gaps in legal safeguards for this segment of the workforce.
Joining the Prime Minister at the event were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and other Cabinet members.
Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, senior civil servants, and heads of agencies including Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
In his remarks, Steven Sim announced the establishment of One-Stop Worker Service Centres to simplify access to labour-related government services. The pilot phase will include centres in Penang, the Klang Valley, and Johor Bahru.
“The initiative will consolidate multiple government departments and agencies under one roof for greater efficiency,” Sim said, adding that more than 3,000 gig workers had participated in engagement sessions to inform the draft bill.
“I call on everyone to not stand in the way of the government’s mission to safeguard the welfare of gig workers. Support the Gig Workers Bill so we can better protect their rights,” he urged.
This year’s Labour Day celebration, themed *Pekerja Kesuma Bangsa* or *Workers, the Pride of the Nation*, drew a crowd of more than 10,000 workers from across Malaysia’s public and private sectors, reflecting a renewed national focus on the dignity and rights of working people. - May 1, 2025
