Kuala lumpur: The government will begin enforcing the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872) this year, providing a clearer legal framework to recognise the status of gig workers and safeguard their welfare. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan announced that this move reflects the ministry's commitment to strengthening the social safety net for 3.45 million informal sector workers, who make up 21.8 per cent of the country's total workforce.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the government has also amended the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 to introduce the 24-Hour LINDUNG Scheme. This scheme aims to provide comprehensive protection throughout the period of employment, including coverage for accidents occurring outside working hours. Ramanan emphasized that the principle of leaving no one behind will continue to underpin the nation's labour and social protection policies.

The government is determined to ensure that the development of the national digital economy does not compromise workers' well-being and the future of their families. To encourage participation, incentives under Budget 2026 have been provided, covering 70 per cent of contributions for first-time registrants in non-mandated sectors under the Self-Employed LINDUNG Scheme, as well as 50 per cent for voluntary contribution renewals in the second year.

As of December 31 last year, a total of 869,913 self-employed individuals had registered and were actively contributing under the scheme, including 299,674 gig workers and e-hailing service providers.