Day: March 31, 2026

Malaysia Enforces Historic Gig Workers Act, Setting New Benchmark in Asia- YB Ramanan

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 — Malaysia has entered a new era in labour protection with the enforcement of the Gig Workers Act 2025 [Act 872], marking a major milestone in safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers in the rapidly expanding digital economy. The landmark legislation, which officially comes into force today, reflects the strong commitment of the MADANI Government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to ensure that economic progress goes hand in hand with social justice. Described as a bold and comprehensive move, the Act provides long-awaited legal recognition and protection for gig workers, a sector that has grown significantly in recent years due to technological advancements and shifting employment trends. With an estimated 1.64 million gig workers in Malaysia set to benefit, the law introduces key safeguards including basic workers’ rights, improved transparency in contractual agreements, clearer dispute resolution mechanisms, and stronger social security protections. Officials подчеркнули that Malaysia’s approach places it ahead of regional peers such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Philippines, where gig worker protections are still being introduced gradually or remain limited to specific sectors. In contrast, Malaysia’s dedicated legal framework positions the country among Asia’s leaders in addressing the challenges of the gig economy. The Ministry of Human Resources, Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia, played a central role in developing the Act, working closely with a wide range of stakeholders including gig worker associations, trade unions, academics, and media representatives. “This is not just about economic growth, but about fairness and inclusion,” the government said, emphasizing that the goal is to build a digital economy that is not only innovative and fast-growing, but also equitable and sustainable. The introduction of Act 872 is seen as a defining step in positioning Malaysia not merely as a participant in the regional gig economy, but as a model nation demonstrating that technological advancement and social protection can progress together. The government expressed appreciation to all parties involved in shaping the legislation, noting that the achievement reflects a collective national effort to secure a more just and resilient future of work.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 — Malaysia has entered a new era in labour protection with the enforcement of the Gig Workers Act 2025 [Act 872], marking a major milestone in safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers in the rapidly expanding digital economy. The landmark legislation, which officially comes into force today, reflects the strong […]

MTEN Reviews Global Energy Crisis Impact, Government Reaffirms Economic Resilience

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 — The National Economic Action Council (MTEN) convened today to conduct an in-depth review of the escalating global energy crisis and its potential impact on Malaysia’s economy and the welfare of its people. The council highlighted that the global landscape is entering a more volatile and uncertain phase, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia, which continue to pressure global energy supply and prices. Malaysia, it noted, is not immune to these developments. In response, the government stressed the need for heightened preparedness, discipline, and unity among all stakeholders. Officials cautioned against complacency, urging Malaysians to remain vigilant and resilient in facing the challenges ahead. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reiterated that despite external uncertainties, Malaysia’s economic fundamentals remain strong. He emphasized that the MADANI Government will continue to take proactive measures based on current data and real-world developments, including engaging closely with industry players and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to ensure well-balanced and effective policy decisions. At the same time, the public has been encouraged to play a crucial role in strengthening the domestic economy. Supporting local products and businesses was highlighted as a key strategy to build internal resilience against global shocks. The government also assured that maintaining a stable energy supply remains a top priority. Continuous efforts will be made to ensure that economic activities proceed smoothly while safeguarding the well-being of the rakyat. With a focus on responsibility and public interest, the administration expressed confidence that Malaysia can navigate the global energy crisis through collective effort, sound policies, and strong national unity.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 — The National Economic Action Council (MTEN) convened today to conduct an in-depth review of the escalating global energy crisis and its potential impact on Malaysia’s economy and the welfare of its people. The council highlighted that the global landscape is entering a more volatile and uncertain phase, driven by ongoing […]

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 […]