KUALA LUMPUR – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has voiced concern that the Gig Workers Bill 2025 was drafted without sufficient consultation, warning that the legislation may not adequately safeguard workers, even as it welcomed the move to regulate the sector.
In a statement today, Suhakam said it regretted being excluded from the preparation of the legislation, particularly after recent amendments to the Suhakam Act that enhanced its advisory role in policymaking.
“Suhakam also expresses concern that the government only made the Bill public at a very last stage in the legislative process,” the commission said.
It stressed that laws affecting more than 1.2 million gig workers must undergo thorough engagement with civil society, unions, and worker representatives before being debated. To ensure proper scrutiny, Suhakam recommended that Parliament refer the Bill to a Parliamentary Select Committee before moving it to its second reading.
The commission cautioned that without refinements, the Bill may not provide meaningful protection for those in the gig economy. Among its concerns were unclear terms on guaranteed wages, payment timelines, and deductions.
Suhakam also underlined that privacy and data protection must be legally safeguarded to prevent misuse of rating systems, while emphasising the need for access to legal aid and the right to collective bargaining.
It further called for mandatory contributions by service providers to social protection schemes such as PERKESO and EPF, with enforcement mechanisms in place against non-compliant companies.
The commission also pressed for effective coordination across ministries, given the cross-cutting nature of issues facing gig workers.
While reiterating its support for regulation, Suhakam said human rights must not be sidelined in pursuit of economic reform.
“Gig workers, including e-hailing and p-hailing drivers as well as freelancers across various sectors, play a vital role in supporting Malaysia’s economy and providing essential services to the public,” it said.
Malaysia tabled the Gig Workers Bill on August 25 for its first reading in Parliament.
The proposed legislation seeks to define gig workers, set dispute resolution mechanisms, regulate payment terms, and provide social protection in a sector long criticised for precarious conditions. – August 28, 2025