Kuala lumpur: The Gig Workers’ Bill 2025, aimed at officially recognising and protecting gig workers, is set to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat for its first reading on August 14, announced Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He further stated that the second reading is scheduled for August 26. During this session, Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition will debate the bill before it is put to a vote, which requires only a simple majority.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the announcement was made during a *Sembang Santai Teh Tarik Industri Gig* session organised by the Human Resources Ministry, attended by gig industry representatives and other stakeholders. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong and his deputy Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad were also present at the event.

At a subsequent press conference, Ahmad Zahid underscored the government’s intention to launch an awareness campaign encouraging more gig workers to participate in the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) under the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), given the current low contribution rate. He noted that only 188,000 p-hailing workers and 132,000 e-hailing workers are contributing out of a total of 1.12 million gig economy workers.

Human Resources Minister Sim highlighted that, if passed, Malaysia would become the 16th country worldwide to enact legislation protecting gig workers. He mentioned the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) interest in Malaysia’s comprehensive approach to the bill, which is not considered extreme. He elaborated that Malaysia’s approach was informed by comparisons with legislation in Singapore, the Philippines, the United States, and India.

Sim revealed that the drafting process involved 40 engagement sessions with around 4,000 stakeholders, including workers, companies, associations, employers’ representatives, academics, and NGOs. The aim was to balance various interests to create legislation that protects gig workers while maintaining the sector’s competitiveness.