KUALA LUMPUR: Gig workers who are unable to represent themselves during dispute mediations in the Tripartite Council can be represented by family members or a body such as an association of gig workers, says Steven Sim.
The Human Resources Minister also stated that unions can represent gig workers in the Tripartite Council only if they include gig workers of the same profession in their union.
Sim said this at a briefing on the Gig Workers Bill 2025 for media freelancers held here Thursday (Oct 16), which was also attended by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
The minister further said that there are times when gig workers are unable to speak up to defend themselves in disputes.
“For example, as I understand it, the NUJ (National Union of Journalists) is trying to include media freelancers in their union. If the law allows this, then the union can represent the media freelancers. However, I propose that gig workers form associations in solidarity with their jobs to have a group that can speak up for them should a dispute arise.
“Under the Act, it is clearly stated that gig workers have the right to form associations. These associations can represent gig workers in conciliation proceedings at the Industrial Relations Department, disputes before the gig workers’ tribunal, and in the tripartite or consultative council,” he said.
NUJ secretary-general Teh Athira Yusoff, who was also at the briefing, said that the union had applied to the Selangor Union Matters Department last October to open its doors to freelancers.
“If we get the approval, we can form a freelance branch, and its members can appoint a chairman or secretary. We submitted last year in October and are still waiting for approval. We are confident in this amendment because we argue that the workload and employment contracts for these workers are the same as those for full-time workers.
“Contract workers in the media industry work as stringers, but they are sometimes shortchanged and not paid when their work is not published or aired,” said Teh Athira.
Sim said the ministry was also awaiting the decision, as it could set a precedent for other unions.
“However, as it stands now, under the Trade Union Act, unions are only for ’employees,’ not ‘gig workers’ as defined under the Employment Act,” said Sim.
He also said that the Tripartite Council is not an ad hoc council but a standing council established by law.
Teo, meanwhile, said that news personnel play a very important role in providing information to the masses ethically, and freelancers also have a role to play.
Earlier during the event, NUJ president Low Boon Tat said that the Gig Workers Bill is being hailed by media freelancers as many faced challenges such as getting bank loans and no promise of a future.
“We ask that there be a model solution for those with part-time contractual jobs in media.
“We also ask that there be a social net and support from the ministry should their contracts not be continued,” said Low.
The Human Resources Ministry is now on a nationwide roadshow, meeting various types of gig worker groups to explain the implications of the new law.
A coalition of major trade unions and workers’ associations representing over 1.42 million members have backed the Gig Workers Bill 2025, calling it a historic milestone for Malaysia’s labour landscape.
Tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 26, the Bill officially recognises over 1.2 million gig workers for the first time, providing them with legal protection and access to fairer working conditions.
The coalition stated that the legislation will usher in a new era for Malaysia’s workforce by ensuring rights, welfare, and social security for gig workers, who have long been left in a grey area of employment law.
Koya, Z. (2025, October 16). Gig workers can be represented by family members, associations in disputes, says HR Minister. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/16/gig-workers-can-be-represented-by-family-members-associations-in-disputes-says-hr-minister
- 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 […]