09/02/2026

MONDAY | FEB 9, 2026

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Booming gig economy masking income deficit crisis o Tougher regulations, transparent pay systems, minimum income protection needed as many e-hailing and delivery workers struggling to keep up with soaring cost of living, says activist

Woman cheated of RM50,000 in fake tender scam KUALA TERENGGANU: A sales executive lost RM50,750 after falling victim to a fake tender scam, said Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor. He said the 29-year-old woman was contacted on Feb 5 by a man posing as a government officer. The caller offered an urgent tender to supply chairs and tables for a primary school canteen in the Marang district. “The man also gave her the number of an accomplice posing as a supplier, supposedly to secure the items at a lower price. “Believing the offer, the victim transferredRM50,750at 2.25am into an account specified by the man, using company funds,”he said in a statement yesterday. Azli said checks later showed that no such tender existed. “Realising she had been scammed, the victim lodged a police report at 5.27pm yesterday. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.” – Bernama Trader duped of RM335,000 KUANTAN: A trader lost over RM335,000 after falling victim to a non-existent investment scheme he came across on Facebook last November. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the 51-year old was contacted by an individual via WhatsApp and offered an investment scheme that promised a lucrative 12% return within seven days. “The victim then made 19 cash transactions into two different bank accounts between Dec 4, 2025 and Jan 27 this year using his savings and loans from friends,” he said in a statement yesterday. He said the trader was told that his investment had made a profit of over RM2.4 million. But when the victim wanted to withdraw the money, the individual told him to make an additional payment of 10% of the total profit first. Realising that he had been duped, the trader lodged a report at the Kuantan police headquarters yesterday. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. – Bernama

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

launched based on 130 police reports lodged concerning the gathering.” Three men were also detained in connection with sedition linked to the case, with investigations led by the north Klang police station. Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had warned that authorities would take “maximum action” against moves to undermine national stability, while Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail urged the cancellation of the gathering on grounds of public safety. Two Urimai party leaders planning an alternative rally near India Gate in Brickfields were also detained. for redress when conditions become untenable. Beyond wages, Masrizal said systemic reforms are needed, including stronger social security coverage, access to healthcare protection, safer working conditions, structured retirement savings and policies that support sustainable work-life balance. “These challenges are no longer isolated. Addressing income security must go hand-in-hand with improving overall quality of life if the gig economy is to remain viable in the long term.” Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations CEO Saravanan Thambirajah said rising living costs are affecting not only gig workers but also urban households across the income spectrum. He said based on consumer complaints and feedback, food prices remain the biggest cost pressure, followed by housing, transport and healthcare. “Food costs are felt daily, and the situation is worsened by supply chain inefficiencies and heavy reliance on imports, especially in high-cost urban areas.” Saravanan said in places such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang, prices of essential goods and services have risen faster than wages, forcing households to spend a disproportionate share of their income on basic necessities. He said wage growth must be paired with effective price controls. “Without strong monitoring and enforcement, higher wages can be quickly eroded,” he said, adding that weak oversight and profiteering in the supply chain allow unjustified price hikes to reach consumers. Saravanan said the government must act fast to strengthen price monitoring, implement a robust food security policy, boost local food production, reduce reliance on imports and maintain targeted subsidies while longer-term solutions such as a living wage continue to be debated.

income sufficiency requires a systematic, data-driven approach, including access to platform data and appropriate government oversight of pay-determining algorithms. He added that without such measures, income sufficiency could not be properly evaluated or addressed. Concerns have also been raised over frequent changes to platform pay structures, incentives and commission models. Masrizal said such adjustments in recent years have often been implemented without prior notice or meaningful consultation with workers. “Changes to pay structures may be justified if they respond to real economic conditions but they must be transparent, clearly communicated and agreed upon through proper engagement.” He said most changes remain unilateral, directly affecting the take-home income of workers and undermining trust. He added that this underscores the

urgency of the proposed Gig Workers Act, which would set clearer rules, curb unilateral decisions and establish a tripartite council comprising the government, platforms and worker representatives. On wages, Masrizal said gig workers value flexibility and independence but this should not come at the expense of income security. He called for a reasonable and enforceable minimum floor rate to prevent exploitation. “Without safeguards, gig workers risk becoming a modern-day labour force with little protection. A living income framework adapted to the realities of gig work is both realistic and necessary.” Masrizal said gig workers are especially vulnerable during periods of high inflation, as rising costs hit immediately while earnings adjustments often lag. He said legal protections under the Gig Workers Act could provide baseline income security, fairer payment mechanisms and avenues

PETALING Malaysia’s booming gig economy is masking a growing income deficit crisis, with many e-hailing and delivery workers struggling to keep up with soaring living costs, prompting renewed calls for tougher regulations, transparent pay systems and minimum income protection. Malaysia E-Hailing and Delivery Organisation president and Gabungan E-Hailing Malaysia chief activist Masrizal Mahidin said many gig workers in high-cost urban centres such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang are struggling to meet basic expenses, including rent, food and transport. “While many gig workers are clearly feeling the pressure, it is important to recognise that the sector is highly diverse.” He said this makes the industry dynamic but complex, and simplistic assumptions about earnings do not reflect reality. Masrizal said accurately assessing JAYA:

Many gig workers in high-cost urban centres are struggling to meet basic expenses, including rent, food and transport. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Rally organisers, 17 participants detained

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

two days until today while the remaining 17 participants were released on police bail. “We carried out the arrests under Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code, aimed at preventive justice to avert any escalation,” he said at a media conference at the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters. “A remand application for Zamri and Tamim Dahari will be made at the Dang Wangi police headquarters.” The rally proceeded despite police prohibitions citing public safety concerns, as Zamri had announced on social media that the event would continue at 8pm.

The organisers insisted the assembly was peaceful and conducted under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, while police said their role was to ensure security throughout. Police began detaining participants at about 8pm at the Sogo complex. They also deployed anti-riot units around Sogo and Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru. A dispersal order was issued when the crowd exceeded 100 people. Those detained included community and NGO activists. Fadil added that Zamri and Tamim Dahari are also being investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal

Code for statements likely to cause public alarm, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The other 17 participants were detained under Section 105 as a preventive measure. Authorities had received prior notification of the gathering organised by the Independent Preachers Association and several Islamic NGOs. Intelligence reports had suggested that intervention was necessary to prevent potential threats. “We received reports from business operators highlighting possible risks, and investigations were

PETALING JAYA: Three investigation papers have been opened against Anti-Illegal Houses of Worship Movement coordinator Zamri Vinoth and TanahMalaya.com founder Tamim Dahari Abdul Razak, under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948. On Saturday, police arrested 19 individuals, including Zamri and Tamim Dahari, who took part in a gathering near the Sogo shopping centre. Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus confirmed the two organisers would be remanded for