Malaysia Takes the Lead on Gig Worker Rights in 2025
Malaysia is setting a powerful precedent in the digital labour world. With over 1.12 million gig workers in the country, the government is stepping up with bold reforms aimed at protecting this growing workforce. At the heart of these reforms: the upcoming Gig Workers’ Bill and the creation of a Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM).
These moves put Malaysia on track to be the first country in the world to pass a dedicated law protecting both platform-based and non-platform gig workers.
What’s Coming: The World’s First Gig Worker Law
In a roundtable session chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, over 100 participants, including ministry reps and 80+ gig platforms gathered to shape a new direction for Malaysia’s gig economy. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
📜 Gig Workers’ Bill (RUU Pekerja Gig)
Expected to be tabled in Parliament between August and September 2025, this bill will:
- Introduce comprehensive social protections for gig workers
- Address rights and responsibilities for workers, platforms, and users
- Set a global benchmark for inclusive labour protection in the digital era
🏛️ Malaysia Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM)
SEGiM will function as a regulatory and enforcement body:
- Overseeing platform standards and compliance
- Coordinating national policies with transparency
- Strengthening self-regulation across platforms
The commission will be placed under the Prime Minister’s Department, while MDEC will act as the technical secretariat.
Why It Matters: Balancing Flexibility and Fairness
Gig workers represent a vital force in Malaysia’s digital economy. From ride-hailing to food delivery, freelance tech to creative gigs.Their roles power countless daily services. But until now, their legal protections have lagged behind.
The new law and commission aim to create:
- Stronger safety nets without reducing platform agility
- A fairer, more sustainable digital workforce ecosystem
- Trust and accountability for consumers, platforms, and workers
What Brands and Platforms Should Expect
This landmark legislation signals a major shift in how gig work will be regulated and supported in Malaysia. Platforms will need to:
- Prepare for clearer regulatory obligations
- Ensure benefits and protections are in place
- Collaborate with SEGiM for ongoing policy development
The upside? A better-protected gig workforce leads to more loyalty, higher service standards, and long-term ecosystem health.