BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & RASHEEQA BAHIDA
KUCHING: The response to the passing of the Gig Workers Bill 2025 during the recent Dewan Rakyat is overwhelmingly positive.
Gig workers, ranging from freelance journalists, video editors, and translators felt that the passing of the bill would further protect them in terms of their well-being and even payment for their gig jobs.
With that being said, Sarawak Tribune spoke with several freelancers on their thoughts of the Gig Workers Bill 2025:
MOHD SHAHRIZAM HAMZAH, 45, FREELANCE JOURNALIST
“In developed countries like Australia, gig workers have clear contracts that specify both working hours and job scope, which keeps them focused and prevents exploitation.
In Malaysia, however, contracts often only state the number of hours without detailing the actual tasks, leading to confusion and unfair extra work without proper pay.
As independent contractors, gig workers also deserve welfare protection such as insurance, EPF, and SOCSO contributions, similar to what is provided overseas where they are recognised as an important sector and even supported by unions.
Many choose gig work like Grab or Foodpanda for flexibility, as it allows them to earn enough while balancing family responsibilities, but their welfare and safety must not be overlooked.
Given the risks they face daily, especially delivery riders on the road, the government should consider stronger protections, including accident coverage and a Gig Workers Tribunal to ensure their rights are heard if contracts are unfairly suspended or terminated.”
DEVONSHIRE SIKEM, 45, NEWS STRINGER
“When I first started as a gig worker, everything was based on trust without any written contract, which made the job uncertain and stressful.
Having a service agreement now gives clarity on salary and benefits, allowing me to plan my finances and work with confidence.
While accidents or unfair suspensions can still happen, the Gig Workers Tribunal provides reassurance that our voices can be heard, though I hope it will offer stronger protections like full back pay and legal support.
Access to SOCSO benefits has also given me a safety net, making gig work feel recognised as real work with dignity.
This new law may be in its early stage, but it is a crucial step forward in giving gig workers protection, rights, and hope for a more stable future.”
AZFAR HASIF AYAUF, 32, FREELANCE VIDEO EDITOR
“I think having a bill to protect workers like myself is important, even if it adds some complexity with extra paperwork.
Since the law is still new, I hope gig workers can be given access to lawyers to help us understand and defend our rights.
Overall, it does provide a sense of protection, but I believe more should be done, such as offering retirement savings, government incentives to recognise our contributions, and certified programs with banks to make it easier for gig workers to apply for loans.”
MOHD REZZA ABDULLAH, 33, FREELANCE WRITER
“Having a written agreement makes gig work clearer and more secure by removing guesswork about pay, rules, and responsibilities, allowing workers to plan their time and income with confidence.
“If unfairly suspended, workers should have quick access to an appeal process, compensation, and reinstatement to ensure fairness and prevent hardship.
“Access to SOCSO already provides safety and recognition, but the next step should include retirement savings or EPF contributions to give gig workers long-term security, not just short-term income.”
NUR AZ-ZAHRA ABDUL GHANI, 35, TRANSLATOR
“A written service agreement brings much-needed stability to gig work by setting clear payment terms, safeguarding against sudden suspensions, and providing a fair way to settle disputes.
“In cases of unfair deactivation, workers deserve a tribunal process where they can present their case, be compensated for lost income, and reinstated without delay.
With SOCSO benefits, gig work feels more legitimate and secure, but further measures like retirement savings and medical coverage are essential to ensure long-term protection and dignity for workers.”
AHMAD SAFWAN MOHD SALIHUDDIN, 26, E-HAILING DRIVER
“With a written agreement, gig work becomes more structured and reliable, as both rights and responsibilities are clearly defined, reducing the uncertainty workers once faced.
If a worker is suspended without a valid reason, there should be an appeal process in place, along with fair compensation and transparency, given that this income is their daily survival.
SOCSO protection adds an important safety net against accidents, but long-term security would be even stronger with retirement savings and healthcare benefits.”
