A Call for Clarity: Gig Economy Platforms Urge Refining of Gig Workers Bill 2025
Gig Economy Platforms Unite to Address Concerns
PETALING JAYA: Several gig economy platforms, including Grab, Lalamove, and ShopeeFood, have come together to express their concerns over the draft Gig Workers Bill 2025. In a joint statement, they have called for the bill to be refined to ensure it is clear, practical, and can be implemented effectively.
Risk of Disruption
Without a clear and comprehensive implementation framework, the bill could unintentionally disrupt gig work, according to the platforms. They highlighted the risk of increased barriers to entry, which would prevent workers from earning a livelihood and stall the sector’s growth and innovation.
Top-Down Approach Could Stifle Innovation and Competition
The platforms argued that a top-down approach to deciding on fares and compensation in the gig economy could stifle innovation and competition, leading to higher service costs. They emphasized the importance of finding a balance between setting minimum industry standards and preserving the flexibility and dynamism that defines the gig economy.
Social Protection Contributions: A Key Concern
The platforms also expressed concern about the lack of clarity on social protection contributions in the bill. Specifically, they highlighted the issue of how contribution requirements would apply to workers engaged across multiple platforms, potentially doubling their financial burden. This could disproportionately affect smaller industry players, reduce competition in the market, and ultimately reduce earning opportunities for workers across various demographics.
Proposed Solutions
To address these concerns, the platforms proposed conducting a nationwide feasibility and impact study involving direct engagement with platforms and gig workers. They also suggested regulatory sandboxing to test key provisions in a controlled environment, allowing for adjustments before full implementation. This process, they argue, would enable stakeholders to gather valuable feedback, evaluate regulations, collect valuable data, refine solutions, and better understand potential impacts before wider implementation of the bill.
Conclusion
The Gig Workers Bill 2025 is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat next month. The key aspects of the bill include the introduction of an official definition for gig workers, setting minimum compensation, creating a grievance mechanism, and social security protection such as mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Socso). The gig economy platforms urge lawmakers to consider their proposed solutions and work together to create a bill that balances the needs of all stakeholders.
FAQs
Q: What are the concerns of gig economy platforms regarding the Gig Workers Bill 2025?
A: The platforms are concerned about the potential disruption of gig work, increased barriers to entry, and the lack of clarity on social protection contributions.
Q: What are the proposed solutions to address these concerns?
A: The platforms propose conducting a nationwide feasibility and impact study, regulatory sandboxing, and direct engagement with platforms and gig workers to gather feedback and refine solutions.
Q: What are the key aspects of the Gig Workers Bill 2025?
A: The key aspects include the introduction of an official definition for gig workers, setting minimum compensation, creating a grievance mechanism, and social security protection such as mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Socso).