KUALA LUMPUR – Various organisations representing e-hailing and p-hailing drivers and couriers have called on the Transport Ministry (MoT) to include a broader range of voices in policy discussions affecting the gig economy.
While they welcomed the ministry’s initiative to collaborate with a particular NGO on the future of the e-hailing and p-hailing sectors, the groups have raised concerns that current engagement efforts are limited to a single organisation.
They said that this narrow approach raises questions about transparency and risks producing policies that do not reflect the actual experiences of most gig workers.
They highlighted the need for broader stakeholder involvement to tackle key issues such as fluctuating incomes, lack of social protection, and the power imbalance between platform companies and the workers who rely on them.
“Failing to include the perspectives of various stakeholders could lead to policies that do not adequately address the everyday challenges faced by workers,” the group said in a joint statement today.
“Our members are the ones directly facing these challenges in the field. It is crucial for the ministry to involve all relevant stakeholders to guarantee policies are practical and beneficial for those actively engaged in the industry.”
The organisations urged the ministry to expand its consultation process to ensure that any regulations developed are fair and grounded in real data and lived experience.
“With the gig economy continuing to grow in Malaysia, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of genuine stakeholder engagement. Through inclusivity, the ministry can shape policies that are sustainable, equitable, and beneficial for all parties involved.
“We call for a more comprehensive engagement strategy, especially as discussions surrounding regulatory frameworks for gig workers become increasingly urgent. Effective collaboration between the government and those providing these essential services is key,” the statement concluded.
The organisations involved in the joint statement include the Malaysian P-Hailing Couriers Association, Malaysian Unity Rideshare Couriers, Sabah E-Hailing and Delivery Couriers Association, Melaka Rideshare Couriers Association, Perak Motorbike Courier Welfare Association, and Kedah Rideshare Couriers Association. — June 20, 2025