Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian e-Hailing Coalition (GEM) has taken note of the various views and concerns raised by several parties regarding the implementation of the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872), but hopes all parties will take a fairer approach in evaluating the legislation. GEM chief activist Masrizal Mahidin stated that it would be inappropriate to portray the law in an overly negative or one-sided manner when the framework is still undergoing implementation and refinement through dialogue with various stakeholders.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Masrizal emphasized that some critics of the Act were not supporters of earlier efforts to establish a specific law for gig workers. The legal protection for the gig worker community has been a result of years of advocacy involving many parties, including the community itself. He pointed out that the ongoing debate about the Act has largely revolved around the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715-APAD), which is particularly relevant to the e-hailing and p-hailing sectors.

However, Masrizal highlighted that the scope of Act 872 extends beyond these sectors, covering at least 11 areas within the gig economy, such as the creative arts sector, freelance interpreters, digital and freelance work, as well as various forms of modern gig employment that are growing within the digital economy. He noted that evaluating the Act only through the lens of its potential conflicts with Act 715 is an overly narrow approach.

GEM expressed appreciation for the initiative by the Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department (JTKSM) under the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), which recently organized engagement sessions with stakeholders. Masrizal acknowledged that, like any new policy, the implementation process will require continuous improvements over time. He advocated for a mature approach to build, refine, and strengthen the system collaboratively, rather than rejecting it outright before it is thoroughly tested in real-world implementation.

He reiterated GEM's commitment to working closely with KESUMA and relevant government agencies involved in implementing the Act. Masrizal expressed belief that the Act could be a starting point for significant reforms in Malaysia's future employment structure, particularly in ensuring that the digital economy advances alongside social justice, worker protection, and industry sustainability.