THE Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) officially presented the first reading of the mooted Gig Workers Bill (RUU) 2025 at the Parliament (media centre) on Monday (Aug 25).
In attendance were Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and deputy secretary-general (policy and international) Dr Mohd Shaharin Umar, as well as various key stakeholders from related industries and e-hailing and p-hailing platforms.
Sim said during the press conference that the drafting of the Bill marks a critical turning point in the nation’s efforts to recognise the important role of gig workers in national labour law, to ensure their rights and welfare are comprehensively protected.
“Last year, the Federal Court upheld the decision that a gig worker cannot seek a claim or bring a dispute to the Employment Court.
“This meant that they could not seek justice in the context of labour institutions,” he said.
“Today, with the first reading of the Bill, it could be the first law to protect gig workers.”
He added that the Bill was not just conceptualised in the halls of Putrajaya, but by taking into consideration the pain points and challenges of all stakeholders.
“The Bill has been drafted after getting feedback and hearing the complaints of all parties. Of course, it will not satisfy everyone, but we have consulted with all those involved.
“I hope that all parties, especially those in Parliament, will make this Bill a success and pass it so that gig workers will no longer have to put their welfare on the line to provide comfort to our lives,” said Sim.
Landmark move
The Bar Council’s Industrial and Employment Law Committee co-chair, Karthigesan Shanmugam, said that the Council welcomes RUU 2025 as an important step to providing a clear legal framework for the growing gig economy.
“The introduction of a statutory definition for gig workers, together with mechanisms for dispute resolution, income protection and social security contributions, represents progress in addressing longstanding regulatory gaps in the sector,” he said.
“We support efforts to ensure fair and balanced protections for all stakeholders in the gig economy, with the shared aim of safeguarding workers’ welfare while fostering innovation and growth in the economic segment.”
Malaysia e-Hailing Coalition (GEM) chief activist Jose Rizal added that the Bill could be a timely reform to change the landscape of the gig economy.
“We understand the concerns and challenges of the community. With the Bill, we could address several key issues that are burdensome to them.
“It could be a game-changer, which will improve the gig industry to be stronger, more protected and more secure.”
Malaysian Professionals Film Workers Association (Profima) president Khalil Salleh said he was delighted that the terms for “gig workers” and “freelancers” could finally be properly defined by law.
“Finally, the definition can be in an official Bill. This is what we will cling to, because we are confident that, with the Bill, our welfare will be protected,” he said.
Interpreters and Translators Association for Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Deaf Community (JUPEBIM) president Lucy Lim said that the Bill will be beneficial for interpreters and translators, whose services have been undervalued.
“This is a recognition for freelance translators and interpreters as an official profession. We want to thank Kesuma for listening to our problems on how we can improve our livelihoods and get the protection we need as gig workers,” she said.
Deaf Advocacy and Wellbeing National Organisation (Dawn) member and Deaf Grab Malaysia Rakan Representative Committee (RRC) member Farid Mahmud echoed Lim’s statements, highlighting the acknowledgement of all gig workers, including the differently abled.
“For the deaf community gig workers, there are many challenges we face when trying to integrate with those who can hear. Many companies do not accept us for employment, which is why we have to resort to gig work to make a living,” he articulated in sign language.
“By having this Bill, we can indirectly uplift the deaf community, so that we will not have any more obstacles and will be free to work knowing we are protected.”
Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor reminded everyone of the important role gig workers play in the economy and in society.
“Gig workers have been instrumental in our daily lives – especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. When we were in lockdown, they were still out and about, continuing to provide services to the community,” he said.
“They have been looking for solutions for a long time. But, with RUU 2025, it will let them have peace of mind knowing they are acknowledged for their role in national economic development.”
Meanwhile, Uni Malaysia Labour Centre (Uni-MLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal praised Kesuma for its efforts in drafting the Bill.
“I congratulate Kesuma for seeking to break this deadlock between the government and the gig community.
“We need to elevate the dignity of this community, and I hope that the Bill will be passed in time for Merdeka,” he said.
North South Initiative founder Adrian Pereira welcomed RUU 2025, citing that it could aid in reducing manpower turnover and increasing productivity, which will lead to better service quality.
“It uses a ‘win-win’ formula that would help to cultivate a stable and more professional workforce, ultimately benefiting consumers,” he said.
“As the gig economy is dynamic in nature, there is room for continuous improvement built into the Bill. We urge all stakeholders to engage in this process with sincerity and prioritise the welfare of all workers and the nation as a whole.
“This is not just a moral imperative, but the right thing to do for a fair and sustainable future.”
Gig Workers Bill 2025
RUU 2025 comprises 10 sections and 112 clauses, focusing on four main pillars: > Clear statutory definition of a “gig worker”; > Workers’ rights to be involved in negotiations on income issues; > Dispute resolution mechanisms; and > Social protection.
With the first reading and drafting of the Bill, Malaysia could become the 16th country to provide a clear definition for gig workers, representing a step forward in strengthening a fairer, more progressive and inclusive gig economy ecosystem.
Kesuma said it is confident that this will ensure a sustainable and balanced future for over 1.2 million gig workers nationwide and elevate Malaysia’s position as a competitive nation on the international stage.
Raj, M. R. (2025, August 27). Right to a fair gig. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/08/27/right-to-a-fair-gig
- STEVEN SIM: MALAYSIA OPENS NATIONAL TRAINING WEEK TO ALL ASEAN CITIZENS FOR THE FIRST TIME
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a landmark move under its ASEAN Chairmanship, Malaysia will open its flagship National Training Week (NTW) to all ASEAN citizens for the first time, offering over 65,000 free training opportunities across the country and online from 14-21 June 2025. The Honourable Mr Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of […] - Steven Sim: One-stop labour centre to be expanded nationwide by year end
KEPALA BATAS (Sept 6): The Ministry of Human Resources’ (Kesuma) one-stop labour centre, which consolidates all the ministry’s key services under one roof, is set to be expanded nationwide by the end of this year. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said that the one-stop centre aims to streamline service delivery for employees, employers, and unions, […] - SMEs sound alarm on rising costs and red tape despite cautious optimism
MALAYSIA’S small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of the economy, are entering the second half of 2025 (2H25) under mounting pressure from rising costs, regulatory burdens and labour shortages, even as many remain cautiously optimistic about growth prospects. In separate statements last week, the Malaysian Industrial, Commercial and Service Employers Association (MICSEA) and the Small […] - From worry to strategy
FROM drafting documents to analysing performance, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to shape how bosses and employees interact. For many companies, this means rethinking old rules and practices to keep things fair, transparent and legally sound. To get ahead of this shift, the Malaysian Industrial, Commercial and Services Employers Associa-tion (MICSEA) has begun initiatives […] - Malaysia rises eight sport to 25th in IMD Talent Ranking
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has jumped eight spots to 25th position in the IMD World Talent Ranking 2025, reflecting the country’s growing ability to become one of the key destinations for global professionals. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said that in the Asia-Pacific region, Malaysia is ranked fifth, after Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Australia. He said […] - Human Resources Ministry opens two probes into Johor bus company following driver strike over salary cuts and excessive overtime
PUTRAJAYA, July 22 — The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has opened two investigation papers against a transport company following a bus driver strike at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) in Johor Bahru on Sunday. In a statement today, the ministry said that initial findings by the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) have found […] - Malaysia enacts flexible working arrangements for employees
Employees in Malaysia can now formally request flexible work arrangements from their employers, according to an announcement by Steven Sim, Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources. Sim, utilising social media platform X, clarified that employees have the right to apply for variations in work hours, days, and location under Sections 60P and 60Q of the Employment […] - Gig workers to get financial literacy boost under HR Ministry initiative
BUKIT MERTAJAM, Sept 22 — The Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) is planning to introduce a financial management course for gig workers as part of efforts to help them plan their finances more effectively and empower the group. “During the programme, some expressed anxiety about paying taxes, which points to a lack of understanding of taxation […] - Loke says uniting Penang DAP to be Steven Sim’s biggest political test
KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 — DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said Steven Sim’s new role in the party’s central leadership is not a demotion but a political challenge tied to Penang’s future. Sim now holds the post of deputy secretary-general while also serving as Penang DAP chief and human resources minister. In a Malaysiakini podcast, Loke painted the […] - DPM Fadillah: SMEs must invest in talent to drive growth, stay competitive
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 8 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today reminded small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that while the government is committed to providing policies and incentives that support growth and human capital development, real transformation must begin within each organisation. Fadillah, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, said leaders […]