PRESS STATEMENT
KUALA LUMPUR (26 JULY 2023) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) supports the Government’s initiative to establish a Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) and formulate legislation aimed at safeguarding the social security of gig workers. This significant development aligns seamlessly with SUHAKAM’s recommendations to ensure adequate social protection for gig workers.
The gig economy in Malaysia has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. However, the lack of clear worker classification and agreed-upon terms of employment has hindered gig workers from enjoying basic labour rights and essential social protections. Additionally, concerns about consumer rights and food safety have arisen due to the unique nature of gig-based services.
Recognizing these challenges, SUHAKAM initiated efforts in 2021 to actively advocate for the rights of workers in the gig economy. As part of these ongoing endeavours, extensive consultations have been conducted with e-hailing and p-hailing workers, including a recent series of consultations held on 1st March 2023 and 1st June 2023, with active participation from e-hailing and p-hailing service providers.
In full support of this progressive plan, SUHAKAM is ready and committed to actively participate in the consultation process for the formulation of the legislation, ensuring that the rights of gig workers and consumer interests are well balanced and protected.
SUHAKAM proposes that the following matters be seriously considered, among others, clear definitions of gig workers, social protection, complaint mechanisms, and collective agreement terms of employment, such as income stability, maternity leave, annual leave, medical benefits, contributions to the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), Employee Provident Fund (EPF), and insurance coverage, as well as adequate floor and fair pay. Furthermore, legislation should also include specific provisions for consumer rights and food hygiene preparation in gig-based services to foster a safe and reliable environment for both workers and consumers.
SUHAKAM strongly encourages continued dialogue and collaboration between the Government, industry stakeholders, gig workers’ associations, and civil society organizations to address the evolving needs of gig workers while upholding consumer rights and ensuring food safety. By working together, we can establish a fair, inclusive, and secure system that protects the rights, welfare, and interests of all stakeholders involved in the gig economy.
-END-
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad
Chairman
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
26 July 2023
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KENYATAAN MEDIA
KUALA LUMPUR (26 JULAI 2023) – Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) menyokong inisiatif Kerajaan untuk menubuhkan Suruhanjaya Ekonomi Gig Malaysia (SEGiM) serta menggubal undang-undang yang bertujuan untuk melindungi keselamatan sosial pekerja gig. Perkembangan penting ini sejajar dengan cadangan SUHAKAM bagi memastikan perlindungan sosial yang mencukupi untuk pekerja gig.
Ekonomi gig di Malaysia telah mengalami pertumbuhan yang luar biasa dalam beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini. Walau bagaimanapun, kekurangan klasifikasi pekerja gig yang jelas dan syarat-syarat pekerjaan yang dipersetujui telah menghalang pekerja gig daripada menikmati hak asasi pekerja dan perlindungan sosial. Di samping itu, kebimbangan mengenai hak pengguna dan pengendalian makanan timbul kerana ciri unik perkhidmatan berasaskan gig.
Menyedari cabaran ini, SUHAKAM memulakan usaha pada tahun 2021 secara aktif menyokong hak pekerja dalam ekonomi gig. Oleh itu, bagi meneruskan usaha ini, dua siri rundingan telah dijalankan iaitu pada 1 Mac 2023 dengan pekerja e-panggilan dan p-panggilan serta pada 1 Jun 2023 melibatkan syarikat penyedia perkhidmatan e-panggilan dan p-panggilan.
Dalam menyokong penuh usaha progresif ini, SUHAKAM bersedia dan komited untuk mengambil bahagian secara aktif dalam proses rundingan untuk menggubal undang-undang bagi memastikan hak pekerja gig dan kepentingan pengguna dilindungi secara seimbang.
SUHAKAM mencadangkan agar perkara-perkara berikut dipertimbangkan dengan serius termasuk definisi yang jelas mengenai pekerja gig, perlindungan sosial, mekanisme aduan dan terma syarat perjanjian kolektif pekerjaan termasuk kestabilan pendapatan, cuti bersalin, cuti tahunan, faedah perubatan, sumbangan kepada Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO) dan Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP), perlindungan insurans, serta kadar tambang lantai yang adil dan mencukupi. Selain itu, undang-undang juga harus merangkumi peruntukan khusus kepada hak pengguna dan pengendalian makanan dalam perkhidmatan berasaskan gig untuk memupuk persekitaran yang selamat bagi pekerja serta pengguna.
SUHAKAM amat menggalakkan dialog dan kerjasama berterusan antara kerajaan, pihak berkepentingan industri, persatuan pekerja gig dan organisasi masyarakat sivil untuk menangani keperluan pekerja gig yang sentiasa berkembang sambil mendukung hak pengguna dan memastikan pengendalian makanan yang selamat. Kita harus bekerjasama bagi mewujudkan sistem yang adil, inklusif dan selamat dalam melindungi hak, kebajikan dan kepentingan semua pihak yang terlibat dalam ekonomi gig.
-TAMAT-
Prof. Dato’ Dr. Rahmat Mohamad
Pengerusi
Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
26 Julai 2023
EN 
MS