BY: SARA ANUAR

A Gig Workers Bill to be tabled by the Malaysian Parliament must define clearly the terms and conditions between a gig worker and their employer and it must also not be a shotgun law but implemented in phases.

Going by existing laws, a gig worker must show proof that he is lawfully employed to come under the Employment Act 1955 which will entitle them to a minimum wage, and other workers’ rights that fall under the labour law.

Therefore, there must be legal clarity in place to prevent discrimination, and to ensure they do not face inequality or unfairness in the payment of salaries, being able to enjoy job security and career development with their employers.

In Malaysia, at present delivery platforms are the major players and this is why, in line with international labour laws, the country is trying to ensure gig workers are not left out of employment protections.

Other factors include a comprehensive framework to cover working hours, flexible schedules, performance appraisal, overtime and the basic statutory contributions to both the EPF and Socso and the Employment Insurance System.

These entitlements will raise the costs of doing businesses, drive up prices for consumers and may even limit competition causing smaller and newer operators to be squeezed out leaving only the industry to be monopolised by the larger players.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher