KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 — Human Resources Minister Steven Sim today called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to support the Gig Workers Bill, describing it as the first significant step towards protecting both gig workers and the companies that employ them.

The Bill was tabled for its first reading this morning, and Sim expressed hope it would move through the second and third readings within the week.

“I hope we can complete the second and third readings by this week. I appeal to all parties. This Bill was not drafted based on our imagination but prepared after extensive feedback gathering from all parties,” the minister told a press conference at Parliament here.

“Of course it cannot fulfil the demands of all sides, but at least we gathered input from every stakeholder,” he added.

The Bill aims to accord fundamental labour rights to gig workers previously enjoyed only by those formally employed, with a broadened definition of what constitutes gig work that goes beyond the ride-hailing and parcel delivery sectors.

This includes the power to negotiate for payment terms and favourable working conditions, as well as the mandatory requirement for employers to pay for their social security, according to a document published by the Ministry of Human Resources and shared with the media.

Among jobs to be recognised as gig occupations under the Bill are actors, film crew members, singers, musicians, composers, lyricists, makeup artists, hair stylists, stylists, sign language interpreters, freelance journalists, videographers, photographers, and care workers for the elderly or new mothers.

Sim said the Bill will finally provide a mechanism for millions of gig workers to seek legal recourse, after years of being excluded from the industrial court system that protects only those employed formally.

Under the Bill, a gig worker can compel platforms that employ them to mediation through a tribunal, which is empowered to make a legally binding ruling. 

The Bill also entails the establishment of a tripartite advisory council, allowing contract-based workers to consult industry stakeholders “directly” on matters such as minimum earnings, wage formulas, and other sector-specific standards.

“This Bill is a new law and is the first that would protect the welfare of gig workers in the gig economy,” Sim said, adding that the draft resulted from extensive engagements with thousands of stakeholders, including gig workers, unions, labour rights groups, academics and service providers.

Jose Rizal, spokesman for the Coalition of E-hailers, said the Bill is the much-needed reform and thinking shift that would dignify gig workers.

“We understand there had been concerns for our welfare, but the question is, haven’t we already carried the burden even without adequate protection? The coalition would like to believe the Bill will be a game-changer that would make the gig economy more secure and stable,” he said.

The Malaysian gig economy was valued at RM1.33 billion in the third quarter of 2023, but the absence of regulation had sparked concerns about exploitative practices by companies seeking to keep operation costs low in a bid to increase profit margins.