19/05/2025

MONDAY | MAY 19, 2025

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COMMENT by Dr Cheah Chan Fatt

Framework for gig workers to thrive T HE gig economy has rapidly grown in Malaysia, providing flexible work opportunities to millions of individuals across

the population is beaten into submission, but these nations could only progress at a slow pace. Rapid development comes when the people are innovative, transforming existing knowledge, skills and methods by embracing science and technology. But many nations are stuck in a time warp. They may have been successful in the past but much has changed in the new millennium. More than ever, everyone must unlearn old knowledge and relearn what they think they know. This includes individuals and giant corporations, as many more jobs and businesses will be wiped out in the coming years for failing to adapt. As Charles Darwin said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change”. Focusing on adapting quickly and effectively requires observing astutely, listening actively, Under the proposed legislation, gig platforms must contribute to gig workers’ Employees Provident Fund and Social Security Organisation schemes. This ensures that gig workers have financial security during unemployment, illness, or retirement, reducing their economic vulnerability. Many gig workers do not have retirement savings, putting them at risk of financial instability in the future. By mandating contributions to these social safety nets, the Bill provides long-term financial protection for millions of gig workers, ensuring they are not left behind in Malaysia’s evolving labour market. Beyond protecting individual workers, the Gig Workers Bill is pivotal in driving Malaysia’s GDP growth. The gig economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Malaysia, with more than 2.2 million gig workers actively participating in various industries. As demand for gig-based services continues to rise, stabilising the gig workforce through legal protections will contribute to higher productivity and economic sustainability. Many gig workers face income fluctuations, exploitation and sudden job losses, leading to low job retention rates. By introducing fair wage practices and social protections, the Bill encourages greater workforce stability, reducing turnover rates and ensuring skilled gig workers remain in the industry. A structured gig economy also facilitates better financial integration, allowing gig workers to access banking services, credit facilities and investment opportunities. With formal recognition, gig workers can secure loans to invest in housing, education and personal development, contributing to greater economic participation. Additionally, the Bill establishes taxation policies for gig platforms,

THOSE who study hard by only remembering what they have read may do well in exams, but such superficial information is of little use in real life. This becomes evident when graduates awarded diplomas or degrees could not apply well the knowledge they had acquired. Rote learning is primarily focused on memorisation, often treating texts as gospel truths which discourages questioning and critical thinking. This becomes dangerous when a statement, especially in religious texts, is understood superficially and applied dogmatically in isolation. Over the centuries, political and religious leaders have caused untold suffering to the masses from quoting or misusing religious texts to pursue their own interests by silencing or punishing those who dare to question their interpretation of the words of God stated in holy books. Citizens are easier to control when various industries. Gig workers, including ride hailing drivers, food delivery riders, freelancers and digital platform workers, play a crucial role in the country’s labour market. However, despite their significant contributions to the economy, many gig workers face job insecurity, lack of social protections and unfair treatment due to the absence of a legal framework governing their rights. Recognising these challenges, the government is set to introduce the Gig Workers Bill to safeguard the welfare and rights of gig workers. This Bill is essential for improving worker protection, strengthening Malaysia’s economy and promoting sustainable GDP growth. Gig work offers flexibility and autonomy, allowing individuals to earn income outside the traditional employment model. However, this flexibility often comes at a cost – many gig workers lack access to health benefits, retirement savings, job security and protections against unfair dismissal. The Bill addresses these concerns by defining gig workers as a separate labour category from full-time employees. This distinction enables policymakers to introduce targeted regulations that suit the unique nature of gig work while ensuring fair treatment and labour protections. By recognising gig workers within the legal framework, the Bill sets minimum wage standards, reasonable working conditions and mechanisms for dispute resolution between workers and platform providers. One of the most critical aspects of the Bill is the implementation of mandatory social security contributions.

The Gig Workers Bill provides long-term financial

protection for millions of gig workers, ensuring they are not left behind in Malaysia’s evolving labour market. – BERNAMAPIC

This phenomenon is not confined to the local travel industry. Some years ago, a world-renowned speaker was invited to give a talk to automotive industry leaders here. Just after finishing his speech, he solicited questions from the audience, but was met with deafening silence. The no-response horrified him but he kept his composure. At all other talks in cities around the world, there were endless questions from the floor, with many coming with questions prepared earlier, while others asking him to elaborate on interesting points that he had just shared. For the very first time, he was looking forward to the coffee break, hopefully to regain his equanimity. But he never got to drink his coffee, as he was surrounded by a crowd who bombarded him with questions they should have asked earlier. Those studying in tertiary institutions ought to realise what they protected, they are more likely to invest in skill development, improving overall service quality. The Bill encourages skills development and vocational training programmes to empower gig workers further. By partnering with educational institutions and industry stakeholders, the government aims to provide gig workers with opportunities to upskill and transition into higher-paying roles. Access to continuous learning will increase Malaysia’s human capital, allowing gig workers to participate in high-value industries such as technology, finance and entrepreneurship. A more skilled gig workforce will boost Malaysia’s competitiveness on a global scale, attracting investments and accelerating economic expansion. In conclusion, the Gig Workers Bill is a crucial legislative development that will reshape Malaysia’s gig economy by establishing legal

anticipating changes, being flexible and continually evaluating and improving. The only way to start any of these activities is by asking questions, finding answers and asking more questions. From 2012 to 2024, I conducted training for the Travel and Tours Enhancement Course, a programme travel industry personnel must attend in order to renew their business licence. The most disappointing was the reluctance of participants to ask questions and the reasons could be many. As they were compelled to attend, many did not show keen interest. They could be satisfied with the business they are getting, or do not wish to be seen as less competent than others, or were too shy to ask. Instead, I had to point out and explain the issues and challenges they are facing in their businesses, along with the possibilities and opportunities. ensuring that companies operating within Malaysia’s gig economy contribute fairly to national revenue. The additional tax income can be reinvested into education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects, fostering long-term economic growth. Apart from strengthening Malaysia’s economy, the Gig Workers Bill acknowledges gig workers’ vital contributions to national development. Gig workers provide essential services that improve efficiency in multiple sectors, including transport, food delivery, digital services and creative industries. Their efforts help bridge gaps in the labour market while catering to consumer demands for convenient, on-demand services. The Bill enhances gig workers’ job satisfaction, motivation and long term commitment by ensuring fair compensation, job stability and career development opportunities. When gig workers feel valued and

are learning is common knowledge, which is mostly available online. What they can remember is no match to a pen drive that can store videos, photos and texts, and can easily be transmitted without loss of data. What they have learned will continuously be superseded with new knowledge created by others by asking good questions and seeking answers. Many old knowledge and practices should be cast into the ash heap of history when they are no longer relevant or competitive. Learning will reach a higher level by interacting with artificial intelligence, and the key to success is asking intelligent questions. But teachers and sages are still needed to foster creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and spiritual development. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com protections, stabilising the workforce and promoting long-term GDP growth. By addressing worker rights, social security and fair compensation, the Bill creates a more sustainable and inclusive labour market that benefits not only gig workers but also the national economy. As Malaysia continues to adapt to modern work trends, a balanced and well-regulated gig economy is key to ensuring economic resilience, innovation and global competitiveness. With stronger legal frameworks in place, gig workers will be able to thrive in a fair and equitable labour environment, ultimately contributing to Malaysia’s vision for a progressive and sustainable future. Dr Cheah Chan Fatt is a research fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

COMMENT by YS Chan Crafting good questions better than remembering right answers