MELAKA, Jan 27 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said he agrees with Umno Supreme Council’s proposal to urge the government to immediately establish the Malaysia Gig Economy Commission and will endeavour to bring the matter to the Cabinet meeting next week.
The Madani government spokesman said there is merit in the proposal considering the boom in the gig economy, such as food delivery services.
“I see that the gig economy is rapidly growing, it is diverse. There are aspects of the market that plays a role, especially in terms of wages and so on.
“But for me, one of the most important aspects is the welfare of gig workers. That’s why I have consistently stated and, to the best of my ability, made efforts to help ride-hailing riders,” he said when approached by reporters at the Jiwa Madani Programme in Kampung Sungai Putat, Ayer Keroh, here, today.
The event saw the organisation of several activities, including booths for Central Database Hub (Padu) registration, Rahmah Sales, and free health check-ups by various agencies to assist the local community.
The programme, which started around 8am, was enlivened by the presence of approximately 1,000 residents from the surrounding villages and was also attended by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim and Deputy Speakers of the Melaka State Legislative Assembly Kerk Chee Yee and Fairul Nizam.
Yesterday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki was reported as saying that the Umno Supreme Council has unanimously agreed to request the government to promptly establish the Malaysia Gig Economy Commission to ensure the welfare and rights of gig economy workers in Malaysia are safeguarded.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said about 56,000 people have registered at Padu booths as of yesterday. He urged more people, especially civil servants, to come forward and register with the system.
Allocate funds for school internet
On a separate matter, Fahmi has proposed that MPs who receive allocations from the federal government allocate funds to help improve broadband services in schools within their constituencies.
For instance, he noted that he had allocated around RM1 million to improve broadband services in Lembah Pantai last year.
“(Melaka Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communications Committee chairman) Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan brought to my attention the connectivity issues in schools. In my speech earlier, I encouraged MPs to contribute by utilising their allocations to assist schools, particularly secondary schools.
“This includes the installation of internet infrastructure, especially wifi access points, to improve the quality of internet connectivity, particularly for teachers. Let’s initiate this effort in Melaka,” he told reporters.
Elaborating, Fahmi said improving broadband services in schools does not require high costs, typically ranging from RM30,000 to RM50,000, depending on the structural layout of each building.
“If we wait for allocations (from the Education Ministry), it will take time. Therefore, I think MPs can perhaps identify areas with the most pressing needs, like those with a significant number of B40 students, and give them priority.
“I have discussed this with the Education Minister (Fadhlina Sidek) and she has asked for assistance. So, this is one way for us to address broadband issues in schools,” he said.
— Bernama
