Terengganu: The additional RM100 million allocation to the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK), aimed at providing skills training and social protection funding for gig workers, underscores the government's acknowledgment of the strategic significance of the gig economy. This initiative has sparked hope among gig workers that these funds will be directed towards short-term courses to improve training and technical skills, and also provide psychological support to address challenges such as safety risks and income instability.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in Terengganu, Maxim e-hailing driver Md Yassin Embong, 52, from Kampung Teluk Pasu, expressed his desire for the funds to support free social protection and safety programs for gig workers. Md Yassin, who has been in the industry for five years, currently pays RM200 annually for contributions to the Social Security Organisation's (Perkeso) Self-Employment Social Security Scheme, commonly known as 'Lindung Kendiri.' He noted that the income of e-hailing drivers in Terengganu is significantly lower compared to those in larger cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, with a net monthly income ranging between RM2,000 and RM2,500. He emphasized that government initiatives providing free PERKESO contributions could alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by gig workers.

Meanwhile, in Sarawak, gig worker Mohammad Naseem Razali, 27, who has been in the sector for over four years, recommended using the allocation for communication and public interaction training in light of Visit Malaysia 2026. He highlighted the need for training in engaging with foreign tourists, as gig workers often serve as frontliners welcoming visitors. Mohammad Naseem also expressed the need for improvements in the gig industry system, particularly in payment structures.

In Negeri Sembilan, e-hailing worker Mohd Alias Abu Bakar, 34, welcomed the allocation, seeing it as beneficial to gig workers, many of whom are not from high-income backgrounds. He viewed this assistance as recognition of their efforts to enhance their economic status and quality of life. Additionally, a food delivery worker, Mustaqim, 26, sought further clarification to ensure the assistance could be fully utilized.

In Selangor, e-hailing worker Ahmad Ashraf Che Razali, 31, noted that the announcement of the additional allocation by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had increased confidence in the future of the industry. Similarly, p-hailing rider Muhammad Muzaimie Ahmat, 31, viewed the allocation as aligning with current needs, as these sectors are vital to daily economic activities.

In Sabah, GrabFood delivery rider Mohd Jofri Moksin, 23, from Penampang, emphasized the importance of the incentive in optimizing existing talent and integrating gig workers into the job market sustainably. Visual Arts Technology degree holder Ebi Farhan Ramlee, 25, from Papar, found the skills enhancement initiative particularly relevant for young graduates engaged in gig work temporarily, as it could facilitate their transition to better-paying jobs.

In Kedah, GrabFood delivery rider Muhammad Izat Ahmad, 30, from Alor Setar, expressed gratitude towards the government, highlighting that the additional allocation would help gig workers enhance their self-protection. Nor Azlina Kamaruddin, 26, from Pendang, who has been a delivery rider for two years, noted that the e-hailing and p-hailing sectors offer extensive opportunities for learning through additional skills acquisition, which can be beneficial for the future.