THERE must be career progression for gig workers as some don’t want to be in the industry forever, said e-hailing drivers.

They said career development in the industry is static, and want the government to formulate plans to help them explore better prospects.

Malaysian eHailing Alliance chief activist Jose Rizal said e-hailing drivers want the government to establish special policies to ensure them a better future.

Jose told The Malaysian Insight the e-hailing industry is run on regulations that only cover licensing, permits and vehicle safety.

“There is no social protection for gig workers such as a safety net for their future, savings for old age, insurance coverage, or better quality of life.

“We are looking at upscaling for the drivers and skills training, so that in the future they can look for a permanent job or become entrepreneurs.”

He said the government can fund e-hailing drivers’ career progression.

Jose said his group presented its resolutions for gig workers to Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar on July 17.

Among the suggestions were to set up a gig economy commission that will catalyse advancements of the gig industry.

“The commission can … advance gig workers’ skills by providing specialised training and education programmes, and special business loans for gig workers who want to start or expand businesses.”

Sivakumar on July 4 reportedly said his ministry is drafting a policy for gig workers.

This, he said, is an interim measure while the ministry formulates legislation to defend the group’s rights, especially in terms of income and social security.

Sivakumar said self-employed workers are not protected by specific laws.

“We are drafting a policy to see how the government can ensure gig workers are not discriminated against by employers, and provide social protection to them.”

Grab Drivers Malaysia Association (GDMA) said the Human Resources Ministry should provide more details on its draft policy for p-hailing and e-hailing workers.

GDMA president Arif Asyraf Ali said he heard about the policy at a forum in July, but has not received sufficient information about it.

Arif said he heard it was to protect gig workers from fraud reports by customers and low fares.

“We are not covered by the labour act (Employment Act 1955), so we need (better policy). This policy is supposed to cover not only drivers’ benefits, but also our interests.

“We hope it will help reduce gig workers’ burdens.” – August 20, 2023.