Gig Commission A Significant Step Towards Addressing Complexities Of Gig Economy

By Nur Athirah Mohd Shaharuddin and Mikhail Raj

KUALA LUMPUR, July 19  (Bernama) -- The formation of the Gig Economy Commission which will be placed under the purview of the Prime Minister's Department is a significant step towards addressing the complexities of the fast-growing gig economy in Malaysia and a major facilitator of consumption expenditure.

In lauding the move, Muna Wan Nordin, the chief executive officer of Qwork, an aggregator in human resource technology, said the commission should encompass comprehensive protection for gig workers, platforms and employers.

“By including all stakeholders, we can ensure fair practices, capacity building for workers and the formal recognition of gig work arrangements, which will enable workers to enjoy benefits similar to full-time employees,” she told Bernama today.

Ride-hailing, food delivery services and despatch, and delivery services are among major jobs undertaken by gig workers which is a popular choice especially among Malaysian youths who are unemployed and can’t get permanent jobs and because of the low barriers to entry.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had earlier this month said a bill related to the welfare of gig workers is set to be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat.

The commission would oversee matters involving the welfare of e-hailing and p-hailing workers, as well as part-time employees and semi-professionals.

Ahmad Zahid has also said the enactment of this law was necessary as only about 250,000 of the 1.16 million gig workers in Malaysia currently contribute to the Social Security Organisation.

Muna also said the commission should work towards reducing barriers for local platforms and promoting skilled gig jobs that contribute to the national economy.

“With these measures, we can unlock the full potential of the gig economy and create a sustainable and equitable environment for all involved," she said.

Qwork’s marketing chief, Vikram C. Mogan, said the company recently entered into a strategic partnership with TalentCorp to revolutionise Malaysia's gig economy landscape.

Leveraging insights from Qwork's AI-powered platform, TalentCorp will publish a comprehensive research white paper on the gig and flexible working economy and its fiscal benefits to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He said the tie-up also aims to bridge gaps for underserved communities by providing access to gig opportunities and essential skills training, fostering a more inclusive gig economy that benefits everyone, particularly those traditionally marginalised from the workforce.

The commission could actively encourage corporates to collaborate with government agencies to advance the national talent agenda, providing future and industry-ready talent for employers, he said.

Adviser to the Malaysian P-Hailing Dispatchers Association (Penghantar) Fairuz Jamaludin recently said that the establishment of the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (Segim) will serve as a comprehensive centre to oversee the safety, welfare and retirement provisions for gig workers, as well as regulate digital capitalism within the industry.

He stressed on the necessity of Segim as there is no regulatory body at this juncture, and this gap has resulted in some p-hailing and e-hailing workers receiving inadequate pay.

-- BERNAMA