PUTRAJAYA, May 1 — The Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) is expediting an interim report in collaboration with Universiti Malaya to establish the Gig Workers Commission, which is expected to be presented to the Cabinet by June 1, said its minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
“After that, within two or three months, we will present a comprehensive report on the functions, legislation, membership, financial implications, jurisdiction and other aspects,” he said.
Sim was speaking to the media after the Labour Day celebration themed ‘Pekerja Kesuma Bangsa’ officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, here, today.
Earlier, the prime minister had urged for the establishment of the Gig Workers Commission to be expedited, highlighting the need to address the welfare of unrepresented groups of workers.
He announced the establishment of the commission, aimed at protecting the rights of 1.12 million gig workers, especially among the youth, during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Bumiputera Economic Congress on March 2.
Anwar had said that it is important to pay more attention and concern towards workers in the gig economy sector.
“For civil servants, there are the Public Service director-general, the Chief Secretary to the Government, Cuepacs (Congress of Unions of Employees in Public and Civil Services), and not to forget the MTUC (Malaysian Trades Union Congress).
“However, certain groups remain unrepresented. That is why the Gig Workers Commission is needed to provide more attention and support (to this group of workers),” he said in his speech earlier.
Anwar said this matter also involves taxi drivers, who have long contributed to the economy but sometimes are left behind in terms of coping with changing times.
“We must pay attention, including to the disabled, women, the elderly, retirees and some former inmates,” he said.
— Bernama
