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 matters. With financial literacy courses, we can empower them by providing the knowledge needed to understand taxation better and manage their finances more effectively,” he said.
Sim said Kesuma will continue its nationwide tour to engage with gig workers, serving as a platform to share information on the Gig Workers Bill 2025 that was tabled in Parliament recently.
He said the engagement sessions are also meant to hear gig workers’ concerns and explore solutions to the challenges they face.
In addition, he said, Kesuma also plans to provide courses and skills training, such as motorcycle repair and cooking, to support career development and create more job opportunities for gig workers.
Sim urged supermarkets, shopping centres, and food court operators, especially large-scale ones, to provide safer and more convenient waiting facilities for delivery riders.
“The provision of strategic, rider-friendly waiting areas will benefit not only delivery workers but also customers and businesses.
“When riders arrive to pick up orders, their time is limited. If the waiting location is too far, lacks shelter, or has limited parking, it creates difficulties and slows down deliveries, especially during rainy weather,” he said.
The Penang Rider Jalan Teruih program last night gathered over 1,500 motorcyclists, mostly p-hailing workers, as part of Kesuma’s information tour on the Gig Workers Bill 2025.
The event began with a three-kilometre motorcycle convoy led by Sim, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam, from the JPJ Seberang Jaya office to the main programme site in Permatang Pauh.
It was organised by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) in collaboration with the Penang Youth and Sports Department and the Penang Youth Development Centre (PYDC).
Motorcycle clubs such as Xtreme Bikers Club, MSBKC, Northern Versy Owner Group, Zontes 368G Northern Rider Club, PMTC, Sahabat Honda Penaga, ATMS, and RRC Grab 2W Penang also took part.
The programme marked Sim’s first direct engagement with 1,500 gig workers, where he explained how the Gig Workers Bill 2025 will strengthen protection for the community in terms of labour law, social security, and workers’ rights.
Participants also enjoyed a lucky draw that offered an electric motorcycle (EV) as the grand prize, along with more than 400 other prizes, making the event an important platform to strengthen ties between the government and the gig worker community. — Bernama
Malay Mail. (2025, September 22). Gig workers to get financial literacy boost under HR Ministry initiative. Malay Mail. https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/09/22/gig-workers-to-get-financial‐literacy‑boost‑under‑hr‑ministry‑initiative/191948
- PERKESO reforms ensure comprehensive protection for all workers, says HR Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Resources Ministry, through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), continues to undertake comprehensive reforms to strengthen social protection for all contributors, including gig workers and foreign workers, says Steven Sim Chee Keong. The Human Resources Minister said that 10 major reforms have been implemented over the past two years to provide more […] - KESUMA’s drive for fair work and shared progress
The LIFE AT WORK Awards (LAWA) hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), celebrates its 10th edition, solidifying its influence as a platform that drives transformation in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in Malaysian workspaces. With concerns regarding human capital rising amid the ubiquity of artificial intelligence (AI), it is crucial now more than ever […] - ‘Many employers not making mandatory Perkeso, EPF contributions’
KLANG: The Human Resources Ministry has detected a worrying number of employers still refusing to register or make mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for their workers. The ministry stressed that such actions violated employees’ rights and denied them basic protection. Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul […] - Nearly 500 labour law breach cases detected
KLANG: Almost 500 investigation papers have been opened against employers for breaches of labour laws as of Nov 1, says Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. Among the most common labour law offences are employers’ failure to make the mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) or the Employees Provident Fund […] - MOHR Won’t Tolerate Companies Preventing Workers From Forming Union
The Industrial Relations Department of the Human Resources Ministry (MOHR) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights after a gathering and memorandum submission by several labour unions concerning alleged union-busting practices. The department emphasised that it respects the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech, while reiterating that workers’ rights to form […] - Court Orders Employer To Pay 93 Migrant Workers Outstanding Wages
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has welcomed the Shah Alam High Court’s decision to uphold an earlier ruling by the Labour Court, ordering an employer to pay outstanding wages to 93 migrant workers who were left without work upon arrival in Malaysia. The High Court on 31 October 2025 affirmed the Labour Court’s […] - No tolerance for employers who withhold wages, says HR Minister
The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has urged all employers to take heed of the recent Shah Alam High Court ruling which upheld a decision in favour of 93 migrant workers in an unpaid wage case. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the Oct 31 decision sends a strong message that failure to […] - THE HEART WORK REVOLUTION
TEN years after its inception, the Life at Work Awards (LAWA) 2025 marked not just a milestone but a movement that celebrates how Malaysia’s workplaces are evolving with compassion, flexibility and purpose. Hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), the gala night honoured organisations leading the way in shaping a fairer, more progressive, human-centred world […] - Group wants clear framework, pilot projects before expanding EIS to gig workers
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Industrial, Commercial and Service Employers Association (Micsea) has called on the government to set a clear policy framework and run pilot projects before expanding the Employment Insurance System (EIS) to gig and platform-based workers. The association said the plan, announced by human resources minister Steven Sim in the Dewan Rakyat on […] - Employer group seeks clarity on foreign worker pay rules after court ruling
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): The Malaysian Industrial Commercial & Service Employers Association (MICSEA) is calling on the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) to issue clear and structured guidelines on wage payment timelines for foreign workers, following a recent court ruling that employers must pay wages from the moment these workers arrive in Malaysia. The call […]