Gig Workers Bill

UNCERTAINTY over social protection contributions for multi-platform gig workers is one of the main reasons behind the delay in tabling the Gig Workers Bill.

An online portal reported that gig operators have raised concerns on how contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Social Security Organisation (Socso) would be calculated, allocated and enforced.

The issue is more complex for workers earning from multiple platforms within the same week, such as driving for Grab, delivering for Foodpanda and freelancing on GoGet.

“This could lead to overlaps and duplication of contributions. If each platform is required to make full contributions, workers may end up over-contributing,” a source said.

The source also said that it creates unnecessary costs for operators and inefficiencies in benefits distribution.

The bill, aimed at regulating Malaysia’s gig economy, has now been delayed for the third time. Initially set for its first reading on Aug 14, it has been postponed again, though reports suggest it may still be tabled by month-end.

On Aug 18, the Finance and Economy Select Committee met with several major gig companies in Parliament with committee members contacted and declined to comment.

Without a centralised registry, it remains difficult to track total earnings across platforms, raising questions on contribution responsibilities, proportional payments and protection gaps.

“For instance, should contributions be based on income percentage, split equally across platforms or collected centrally and redistributed? These are the areas that need clarity,” a source said.

Gabungan eHailing Malaysia (GEM) chief activist Jose Rizal said the bill recognises the 1.2 million Malaysians who depend on the sector, protecting them against unstable income, lack of social security and exploitation.

He added that the Act belongs to the people and urged MPs across political lines to support it, noting that while some platforms and political figures have lobbied for delays, the bill can move Malaysia towards a fairer and more dignified gig economy.

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