Kuala lumpur: A total of 129,102 female gig workers registered with the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) were covered under the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) as of June 30, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan announced. This figure is part of the 1.11 million gig workers nationwide who are registered under the scheme, which offers protection against work-related accidents and occupational diseases.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Khairul Firdaus elaborated during a Senate sitting on the comprehensive coverage statistics as of June 30, 2026. He noted that 1,113,017 gig workers are covered under the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme, with women making up 129,102 of this total. The Minister was responding to Senator Norhasmimi Abdul Ghani's inquiry regarding women's participation in the gig economy and their social security coverage.
Khairul Firdaus further detailed the benefits disbursed to gig workers, revealing that between January 1 and June 30, 2026, a total of 4,507 self-employed individuals, including gig workers, received benefits under the scheme. The payouts during this period amounted to RM15.19 million. Additionally, he highlighted PERKESO's 'Lindung Kasih' scheme, which specifically targets women, requiring an annual contribution of RM120.
From January 1 to June 30, 2026, 48,180 women nationwide contributed to the 'Lindung Kasih' scheme, with RM2.55 million in benefits distributed to 3,358 women. The benefits cover a range of provisions including permanent disability benefits, funeral benefits, constant-attendance allowance, invalidity allowance, survivors' pension, physical rehabilitation, and dialysis treatment.
Addressing concerns about female gig workers' safety, particularly against risks like sexual harassment and violence, Khairul Firdaus pointed to the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872). Part 9 of the Act includes measures for occupational safety, granting the Director-General of Occupational Safety and Health authority to enforce safety and health obligations. Additionally, the Sexual Harassment Tribunal Act provides another layer of protection for gig workers facing such threats.