MELAKA – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he agrees with Umno Supreme Council’s proposal to urge the government to immediately establish the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission and will endeavour to bring the matter to the cabinet meeting next week.
The Madani government spokesman said that the proposal has merit, given the growth of the gig economy, such as food delivery services.
“I see that the gig economy is rapidly growing, it is diverse, and there are aspects of the free market or the market that plays a role, especially in terms of wages and so on.
“But for me, one of the most important aspects is the welfare of gig workers… that’s why I have consistently stated and, to the best of my ability, made efforts to help ride-hailing riders,” he said when approached by reporters at the Jiwa Madani programme in Kg Sg Putat, Ayer Keorh, here today.
The event featured several activities, such as booths for Cenral Database Hub (Padu) registration, Rahmah sales, and free health check-ups provided by various agencies, including the Communications Ministry, to assist the local community.
The programme, which started around 8am, was enlivened by the presence of approximately 1,000 residents from the surrounding villages, including Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim and Melaka Legislative Assembly deputy speakers Kerk Chee Yee and Fairul Nizam.
Yesterday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki was reported as saying that the Umno Supreme Council unanimously agreed to request that the government promptly establish the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission to protect the welfare and rights of Malaysia’s gig economy workers.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said about 56,000 people had registered at the programme’s Padu booths as of yesterday, and he urged more people, particularly civil servants, to come forward and register with the system.
He said this is crucial as it can ensure that an individual is eligible for direct assistance from the government. – January 27, 2024