DAP’s Commitment to Workers Proven with Gig Workers Bill

29 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The passing of the Gig Workers Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat today is a historic moment for Malaysia’s labour movement.

The Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sabah Chief Chan Loong Wei, congratulated Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong and all gig workers nationwide, describing the bill as a landmark reform that demonstrates DAP’s commitment to meaningful, people-centred change.

“This legislation positions Malaysia among the first countries in the world, and the 16th globally, to introduce a dedicated legal framework for gig workers. It is a clear testament to DAP’s reformist spirit and people-oriented struggle,” Chan said.

He added that the enactment of the bill proves DAP is not only committed to reform but also capable of delivering substantive, structural change in line with its founding principles of social democracy.

“From the day of our founding, DAP has never abandoned our principles or our struggles with the people. We have always stood side by side with workers, the marginalised and those whose voices are often ignored. Today, under Steven Sim’s leadership, gig workers finally have legal recognition and protection after years of uncertainty. This is people-first governance in action,” he said.

The Gig Workers Bill addresses long-standing vulnerabilities in the sector, including wage insecurity, lack of negotiation channels, arbitrary suspensions, and the absence of social safety nets. It also provides for the establishment of a Tripartite Consultative Council, allowing gig workers for the first time to negotiate alongside employers and government representatives. In addition, the bill requires mandatory written contracts, offers protection against unfair deactivation, and extends coverage under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 via SOCSO.

“These measures are groundbreaking,” Chan stressed. “They secure basic fairness for 1.2 million gig workers, raise Malaysia’s labour standards in line with international benchmarks, and boost investor confidence by ensuring our labour practices meet global ESG standards.”

He emphasised, however, that the new law should be seen as the beginning of a wider journey to strengthen Malaysia’s social protection system. While gig workers will continue to operate as freelancers under a ‘contract for service’, the fact that their rights are now enshrined in law represents a fundamental shift towards dignity and fairness.

“The struggles of gig workers are struggles for survival, dignity and respect. DAP’s role in championing this reform proves once again that we are a party rooted in social democracy—a party that has never forgotten where we came from or who we fight for. This victory belongs not only to the government or the party, but to every rider, driver, freelancer and digital worker whose daily sacrifices keep our economy moving,” he said.

DAPSY Sabah congratulated all gig workers on this milestone and urged platform providers, stakeholders and government agencies to implement the framework in good faith.

“The new law must not merely exist on paper but must be felt in the lives and livelihoods of workers who depend on this sector,” Chan said.

He concluded that Malaysia has shown meaningful reform is possible when principles and political will align, reaffirming DAP’s mission to build a fairer, more inclusive Malaysia where no worker is left behind.