KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — The Gig Workers Bill 2025 was passed by the Dewan Negara yesterday, paving the way for legal protections for Malaysia’s growing gig workforce.
The Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma) hailed the move as a milestone, saying it places Malaysia as a benchmark in the Asean region and beyond for progressive gig economy legislation.
“With this Bill now a reality, gig workers will finally receive the protection they deserve in line with their contributions to the national economy,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by 18 Senators. It is expected to benefit over 1.2 million gig workers, marking the first time this sector is formally covered by labour legislation in Malaysia.
Kesuma said the Bill was developed following a mandate from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on March 4, 2024, to design a dedicated framework for protecting gig workers’ rights.
Since then, nearly 40 engagement sessions have been held with over 4,000 stakeholders, including representatives from the Sabah and Sarawak governments, platform companies, worker associations, trade unions, academics and civil society groups. More than 500 online submissions were also received.
The drafting process was further strengthened through international benchmarking and a presentation to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva, which confirmed the Bill’s alignment with global standards.
The legislation comprises 112 clauses across 10 parts, focusing on four key areas, namely defining gig workers, establishing a tripartite council to set income and working conditions, creating a dispute resolution mechanism, and ensuring access to social protection.
Kesuma said it will now proceed with the necessary steps for gazettement and enforcement of the Act. — Bernama
Bernama. (2025, September 10). ‘They will finally receive protection’: Dewan Negara passes landmark Gig Workers Bill. Malay Mail. Retrieved from https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/09/10/they-will-finally-receive-protection-dewan-negara-passes-landmark-gig-workers-bill/190589
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