09/01/2026

FRIDAY | JAN 9, 2026

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More turning to e-hailing work out of necessity

Malacca to develop RM1.8 billion shipyard MALACCA: Malacca is strengthening its position as a regional maritime hub with an official visit to the Desan Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkiye to finalise a strategic partnership for the “Enrique of Malacca Shipyard”, a RM1.8 billion facility to be developed in the Malacca Waterfront Economic Zone. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the new shipyard would be located on the coastline, offering direct access to one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, the Strait of Malacca. “The shipyard is inspired by renowned Malay navigator Panglima Awang, also known as Enrique de Malacca, blending maritime heritage with modern shipbuilding technology. “Spanning 9.42 hectares, the project will be implemented through a joint venture between SM-WEZ Corporation, the leading agency for the special economic zone, and Henry The Black Shipyard Sdn Bhd as the project developer, in strategic collaboration with Turkiye’s leading shipping firm Desan Deniz, which has 47 years of industry experience.” He added that with a two-year construction timeline, the shipyard is expected to begin operations in 2028, serving as a catalyst for maritime industry growth in the Strait of Malacca and across Southeast Asia. Key components of the project include shipbuilding and repair, marine services, fabrication facilities and maritime tourism attractions. “Through the Enrique of Malacca Shipyard, the Malacca government is confident the project would attract international investment, create high-skilled jobs and reinforce Malacca’s role as a key player in the global maritime industry. “This project not only enhances the state’s maritime capabilities but also revives Malacca’s maritime legacy on an international stage through technological and expertise partnerships.” – Bernama Maritime laws to be reviewed, modernised PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry has announced a phased review and modernisation of the nation’s maritime legislation, with the entire process scheduled for completion by the end of this year. In a statement, the ministry reiterated its commitment to strengthening maritime governance and legal frameworks to enhance the global and domestic competitiveness of Malaysia’s shipping and port sectors. It confirmed that the inaugural session of the newly-formed Malaysian Maritime Law Revision and Reform Committee (MLRRC) was held on Tuesday. The committee is chaired by Federal Court Judge Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, with Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Ong Chee Kwan serving as deputy chair. The statement added that the government established MLRRC to update and reform national maritime laws, aligning them with international standards and facilitating smoother trade and transport. The ministry also said the first meeting signalled the start of a strategic initiative to comprehensively review, modernise and reform the legal corpus , ensuring it remains relevant and effective in supporting national economic competitiveness. The meeting centred on a preliminary inception report prepared by a specialist consultancy firm appointed to support the committee’s work. The discussions focused on defining the project’s scope, methodology and conducting a gap analysis of the existing legislation, which includes reviewing current areas of overlapping jurisdiction. – Bernama

o In urban areas, one salary often not enough: Group

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: E-hailing work has increasingly become a side hustle of necessity rather than choice for many in the Klang Valley. This is due to rising living costs outpacing income growth, forcing individuals to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet. Malaysia E-Hailing and Delivery Organisation chairman Masrizal Mahidin (also known as Jose Rizal) said feedback from drivers shows that e-hailing work is now commonly used to supplement income from primary employment. “Based on our engagement, it’s 50-50. Certain drivers rely on e-hailing as a main source of income, but many others are working full time in other jobs and doing e-hailing on the side because their main income is no longer enough,” Masrizal told theSun via phone call. He added that drivers come from a wide range of professions, including engineers, chefs, photographers and journalists, reflecting the growing reliance on side gigs across different income groups. “Many of them already have jobs or businesses, but they still need an additional income. This is especially (true) in urban areas such as the Klang Valley, where one salary alone is often not enough.” He also said it is important to distinguish between different types of gig work, as the financial commitment and accessibility vary significantly. “In e-hailing, there are two categories. One is passenger ride and the other is parcel or food hailing. “For passenger ride, it is quite different and the upfront cost to enter or to get into the passenger ride field is quite high. “For food and parcel hailing, the entry is a lot easier. They only need a B2 licence, and if they have a vehicle, they could do it. That’s why Universiti Teknologi Mara economist Dr Mohamad Idham Md Razak said the trend of workers taking on multiple jobs must be understood as a response to income pressure in urban centres. “As much as gig platforms offer flexibility and opportunities to supplement income, the growing participation in side work indicates that wages from primary employment are no longer sufficient to keep up with rising living costs in cities,” Mohamad Idham told theSun. He added that the phenomenon points less toward lifestyle choice and more toward widening income gaps. “This trend is better seen as a reflection of income inadequacy rather than a voluntary shift towards flexible work. “Many workers are forced to diversify their income sources simply to bridge the gap between wages and basic living expenses.”

Masrizal said the growing reliance on side hustles reflects broader economic pressures rather than personal preference. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

insurance renewals come in, that’s when the pressure hits.” He added that the situation has blurred the line between flexible gig work and stable employment, particularly for passenger e-hailing drivers who have already invested thousands of ringgit upfront. “Gig work is supposed to be (about) flexibility. When we feel like doing it, we do it. But for e-hailing drivers, it does not always feel that way. “Why? Because in a year, they (have) invested the upfront cost as mentioned earlier, estimated between RM2,000 to RM3,000. “It’s like they are tied to the gig despite juggling main jobs. Whether they like it or not, they have to do the work. So, the nature is different.” Masrizal said the growing reliance on side hustles reflects broader economic pressures rather than personal preference. “Gig work is no longer just a temporary option. For many urban workers, they would look for part-time (jobs) after working hours. “If you are in a low or middle-income job, one salaried position is often not enough. That’s why people turn to e-hailing and other gig work. Not because they want to, but because they have to.”

many or part-time work in food and parcel hailing.” Masrizal said for passenger e-hailing drivers, upfront costs are substantial and could limit flexibility. “They need a Public Service Vehicle operator licence, vehicle permits, inspections and specific insurance. “The annual permit costs about RM110 but e-hailing insurance could reach almost 200% of a normal vehicle premium. If your usual premium is RM1,000, e-hailing insurance could be RM1,500 or even RM2,000. “Most of the costs are borne by the drivers themselves. Some e-hailing platforms subsidise permits, such as Grab. But overall, the driver is the one paying.” He said net earnings are significantly lower once costs are taken into account. “If a driver works about 10 hours a day in the Klang Valley, gross income could average about RM300 a day. “In terms of costs, subtract petrol, maintenances and so on. The total cost is estimated at about 50%. Now, their average net income is only RM150 a day. “At the beginning, RM300 a day sounds good. But after six months or a year, when a vehicle starts wearing down, when (individuals) do freelance

‘Reliance on side jobs reflects labour market issues’ PETALING JAYA: Economists say the growing reliance on side jobs among urban workers reflects deeper structural issues in Malaysia’s labour market, particularly wage stagnation and rising living costs, rather than a preference for flexible work arrangements. He also said the situation is especially pronounced among younger workers and those in service-oriented sectors. “In urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, salaries below RM3,000 are increasingly challenging when factoring in rent, transport, food and other financial commitments. “While this situation may appear to reflect labour market flexibility, the core problem is that wages offered to Malaysian workers are no longer competitive. “At the same time, there are insufficient job opportunities that align with the academic qualifications and experience of workers.”

The latest data from the Statistics Department, based on 2024 household expenditure patterns and released in December 2025, shows that the cost of living in major urban centres remains high even for small households, with basic monthly expenditure for a decent standard of living reaching RM6,870 in Petaling Jaya and RM6,404 in Klang, both higher than the RM5,639 required for Kuala Lumpur. Ahmed said the figures highlight a growing disconnect between wages and urban living costs. “The statistics clearly show that the cost of living in major cities is high, even for young individuals and small households. Yet wages offered by employers remain low despite workers being based in urban centres.” – By Faiz Ruzman

“This has led to a growing reliance on side jobs among young workers, particularly in sectors such as food and beverage, retail and semi-skilled occupations.” He said while side work may offer short-term relief financially, sustained dependence on secondary income could undermine work-life balance. “If left unaddressed, this could lead to chronic fatigue, mental health strain and reduced capacity for long-term skills development, ultimately affecting productivity and economic growth.” Meanwhile, Putra Business School MBA and DBA director Prof Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff told theSun that the issue stems from uncompetitive wages and limited job opportunities that match the qualifications of workers.