Day: March 31, 2026

Gig Workers Act 2025 Comes Into Force, Strengthening Protection for 1.64 Million Workers

PUTRAJAYA, 31 March — Malaysia today takes a major step in shaping its digital economy as the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872) comes into effect, strengthening governance and welfare protections for workers in the gig sector. The Minister of Human Resources said the new legislation reflects the government’s commitment to building a future workforce ecosystem that is fairer, more inclusive, and resilient, in line with the rapid growth of the digital economy, said in a statement. The Act is expected to benefit over 1.64 million gig workers by providing a comprehensive legal framework. Key areas of focus include transparency in service agreements, payment certainty, protection against discrimination, and access to structured dispute resolution mechanisms. Social security coverage through PERKESO as well as occupational safety and health protections are also strengthened, without compromising the flexibility that underpins the gig employment model. Malaysia now holds a strategic position as one of the first countries in the region to introduce dedicated legislation for the gig sector, potentially serving as a model for regional and global policy development. Under the Act, the definition of gig workers is inclusive, covering individuals providing services both via digital platforms and independently, spanning creative, professional, and freelance sectors. To reinforce governance, the Gig Consultation Council (MPGiG) has been established as a tripartite advisory body representing the government, gig workers, and contracting entities. The council will advise the government on minimum income levels and industry standards based on data and current market needs. A total of 26 members have been appointed to MPGiG, effective 1 April 2026, with the first meeting scheduled for 3 April 2026. Discussions will focus on gig workers’ income levels as a key early implementation agenda. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) will act as a central coordinating body to ensure policies, industry monitoring, and ecosystem development are implemented in a structured and effective manner. The Act also introduces a more systematic complaints management system through the eAduan platform under the Ministry of Human Resources, allowing gig workers to file complaints related to payments, account suspension, or breaches of agreements, with a resolution target of within 21 working days, depending on the case complexity. Enforcement will be carried out collaboratively by agencies including the Department of Labour, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, and PERKESO, with strict action against parties failing to comply with legal provisions. This initiative demonstrates the government’s balanced approach to fostering digital economy growth while prioritizing workers’ welfare. More information on the Gig Workers Act 2025 is available on the Ministry of Human Resources official website at https://www.mohr.gov.my/aktapekerjagig2025/.

PUTRAJAYA, 31 March — Malaysia today takes a major step in shaping its gig economy as the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872) comes into effect, strengthening governance and welfare protections for workers in the gig sector. The Minister of Human Resources said the new legislation reflects the government’s commitment to building a future workforce […]

Iran’s Parliament Committee Approves Strait Of Hormuz Toll Plan

A key committee in Iran’s parliament approved a toll plan for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing local media. The measure, which cleared the National Security Commission, outlines a series of new regulations governing the strategic waterway, including financial provisions that would require ships to pay transit fees in Iran’s national currency, the rial. According to the Fars News Agency, commission member Mojtaba Zarei said the bill also includes restrictions barring vessels linked to the US and Israel from passing through the strait. Additional provisions would prohibit access for countries that have joined unilateral sanctions against Iran. The legislation must pass a full parliamentary vote before being reviewed by the Guardian Council and signed by the president to become law. Regional escalations have continued to rage since Israel and the US launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb 28, killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

ISTANBUL — A key committee in Iran’s parliament approved a toll plan for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing local media. The measure, which cleared the National Security Commission, outlines a series of new regulations governing the strategic waterway, including financial provisions that would require ships to pay transit fees […]

Indonesia sues Meta, Google for failing to comply with child protection rules

"To both entities, the government today (March 30) has sent a summons letter as part of the implementation of administrative sanctions in accordance with applicable provisions," he said in a video statement uploaded on the ministry's official Instagram account late Monday. Indonesia officially banned the use of social media by children under the age of 16 when it began implementing PP Tunas on March 28, a policy that mandates the gradual deactivation of accounts belonging to underage users on high-risk platforms. Following a one-year transition period since the regulation was signed by President Prabowo Subianto, Meutya said only X and Bigolive were found to be compliant with the regulation after implementing measures to limit access for users under 16 years of age. He said the government also issued warning letters to TikTok and Roblox, which were found not to have fully complied with the regulations, but showed a willingness to cooperate. "If these two platforms (TikTok and Roblox) still fail to show full compliance, the government will adjust its measures, including issuing summonses to both platforms," ​​he said. He said Indonesia would prioritize cooperation with digital platforms that respect its legal framework and demonstrate a commitment beyond simply seeing the country as a mere market, particularly in protecting children by delaying access until they are deemed ready. Describing the policy as a major step, he highlighted Indonesia's large digital population including some 70 million users under the age of 16, while stressing that the government understood that the implementation and enforcement of the regulation was not an effort that could be completed in a day or two. "However, the government believes that this is a step in the right direction. Similar regulations have also been implemented in many other countries including in Asia, Asia Pacific, Europe, West Asia and other regions," he said. Meutya also urged the public, especially parents and children, to play an active role in monitoring and reporting platforms that do not comply with regulations, following concerns over the high level of digital usage in Indonesia, with average daily screen time reaching seven to eight hours.

JAKARTA: Indonesia has issued a summons to tech giants Meta and Google for failing to comply with the country’s new regulation, PP Tunas, which aims to protect children online and takes effect on March 28. Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said both companies were found to have violated Ministerial Regulation No. 9 of […]

New Swisslog APeC structure delivers greater resources to Southeast Asian customers

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Swisslog, a global leader in automated intralogistics solutions, is strengthening the resources available to its Southeast Asian (SEA) customers through a new structure for the Asia Pacific excluding China (APeC) region. This regional strengthening comes as Swisslog celebrates more than 30 years of operations in Southeast Asia, marking three decades […]

IHG introduces voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang to Vietnam’s stunning central coastline

NHA TRANG, Vietnam, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IHG Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang by IHG in March 2026, marking the third property under the brand to open in Vietnam. Each voco property is characterised by its individual charm, which provides guests with something unique while creating an inviting and unstuffy atmosphere for guests […]

StringsSG Sets New Standard for Personal Training in Singapore

SINGAPORE, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — StringsSG has completed its transition to a full-service personal training model, marking a significant shift in Singapore’s fitness industry and addressing long-standing concerns around inconsistent service quality, lack of accountability, and unclear pricing practices. Traditionally, much of the personal training market operates on a freelance basis, where clients engage individual trainers with limited oversight. […]

GameChange Solar Announces Successful Industry-First, Full-Scale Seismic Testing of Single-Axis Solar Trackers

NORWALK, Conn., March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GameChange Solar, a leading global supplier of solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking technology, announced the successful completion of the industry’s first full-scale seismic shake table testing program for its Genius Tracker™ system at UC Berkeley’s Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center. The testing was conducted in accordance with IEEE 693 seismic design […]

Nestlé Professional Debuts NESCAFÉ Fusion 3, Helping Businesses Cut Energy Use in Singapore

SINGAPORE,  /PRNewswire/ — As Singapore businesses prepare for continued pressure from rising energy prices and growing sustainability expectations, Nestlé Professional Singapore today introduced the NESCAFÉ Fusion 3, a next-generation bean-to-cup commercial coffee system designed to help businesses reduce energy consumption while maintaining café-quality coffee. The launch comes at a time when organisations across Singapore’s hospitality and foodservice […]

Batik Air Relaunches Colombo–Kuala Lumpur Service in Support of Visit Malaysia 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 31 MARCH 2026 –Batik Air marked the successful relaunch of its Colombo– Kuala Lumpur service yesterday, welcoming the arrival of Flight OD298 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA Terminal 1), reconnecting Malaysia and Sri Lanka once again. Previously part of the airline’s international network, the Colombo route was suspended in early 2024 as part of a broader network […]

Police Probe Viral Upskirt Recording Incident at Subang Jaya Shopping Premises

SUBANG JAYA, March 31 — Police have launched an investigation following a viral video allegedly showing a male suspect recording or attempting to take photos beneath a customer’s skirt at a shopping premises in Subang Jaya on Saturday. The Subang Jaya District Police Headquarters (IPD) confirmed that a report was lodged on March 29 at 1.16pm regarding the incident, said Subang Jaya OCPD Wan Azlan Wan Mamat in a press statement. Initial investigations revealed that the video had been circulated on social media platforms, including Facebook under the name “Yixin Siew” and Instagram account “yixin_0111”. Authorities believe the suspect was seen holding a mobile phone and engaging in inappropriate behaviour targeting a female shopper inside the premises. Police said investigations are actively underway to identify and locate both the suspect and the victim involved in the case. The case is being investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The public is advised not to spread or share any videos or recordings that may affect the dignity of the victim or interfere with police investigations. Instead, any information related to the incident should be channelled to the police to assist in the investigation. Members of the public who have any information related to the incident are urged to come forward by visiting the nearest police station or contacting ASP Siti Sarah Johari at 013-209 7958 or the Subang Jaya IPD hotline at 03-7862 7222. -- Minutes MY / Sugan Balan

SUBANG JAYA, March 31 — Police have launched an investigation following a viral video allegedly showing a male suspect recording or attempting to take photos beneath a customer’s skirt at a shopping premises in Subang Jaya on Saturday. The Subang Jaya District Police Headquarters (IPD) confirmed that a report was lodged on March 29 at […]