Malaysia's Labour Laws Must Address Gig Economy Issues for Workers
Challenges of the Gig Economy in Malaysia
The gig economy presents significant challenges for workers in Malaysia. With approximately 26 percent of the workforce engaged in gig work, issues such as minimum wage violations, lack of overtime pay, and absence of benefits like insurance and pensions are prevalent.
Global Context and Labour Protections
In comparison to developments in other countries, India has introduced the Code on Social Security to extend protections to gig workers, while China recently established guidelines for minimum wage and social insurance for food delivery personnel.
- Independent contractors often find themselves without sufficient legal protections.
- The Supreme Court of the UK ruling on Uber exemplifies growing legal recognition of worker rights.
- Both Malaysia and India need swift action to emulate these protections.
Urgency for Legislative Change
As the gig economy expands, there is an urgent need for Malaysia to strengthen its labour laws to ensure no worker is left behind. This includes ensuring fair wages, access to essential benefits, and establishing clear delivery timelines for gig workers.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.