KUALA LUMPUR — Industry players have welcomed the government’s decision to postpone the Gig Workers Economy Bill, which was scheduled to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat this December.
Speaking to Scoop, Francesca Chia, Founder and CEO of GoGet Malaysia, said the postponement decision shows the government is aligning with industry players’ objective of protecting gig workers.
“We are pleased that the government is also aligned in achieving this goal through comprehensive stakeholder engagement and much more.
“We believe that by ensuring safety nets through insurance, pensions and skills enhancement, gig work can truly be seen as a serious employment option. So the government has our full support in this vision.
“We also urge them to be open to hearing from industry players, law enforcement and even those affected to ensure that this bill is successful,” she said.
Francesca added that while the government will be holding engagements, the time needed is also crucial to ensure that the actual impact of creating the bill can be achieved.
“We must remember that today, Perkeso has the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) in place, and it is mandatory for e-hailing and p-hailing riders and drivers.
“Furthermore, any type of gig worker can also get protection under 20 categories of SKSPS today.
“Protection already exists. However, the important point to emphasise here is to share how current programs can be improved to achieve greater impact,” she said.
Earlier, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim told Scoop that the tabling of the Gig Workers Economy Bill has been postponed.
He said the decision was made following feedback from stakeholders and the need to ensure that the subsequent enactment covers all angles.
“This is a completely new law, so we need more time because the proper drafting should have started in August,” Sim said.
The details of the proposed bill would have included provisions and/or enhancements of remuneration, social security, arbitration and health and safety.
Meanwhile, Rahman Hussin, Head of Business Development at KiddoCare, said the postponement could have a better outcome if the preparation of the bill is not subject to a strict timeframe.
“KiddoCare agrees and supports the need for such a bill, but we feel that there needs to be further consultation and refinement of certain aspects, as this bill (is seen) to impose excessive compliance costs on platform providers.
“If there’s truly nothing to hide in this bill, then the full draft (of the bill) can be shared with industry players.
“(The government) can set a time for (engagement) for relevant parties to provide feedback, comments, etc. and we believe industry players will agree after that,” he told Scoop today. – November 22, 2024