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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.

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