“Malaysia enforces Gig Workers Act 2025, expanding legal protections for over 1.6 million workers”, 31 March 2026

Malaysia’s Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872) officially came into force on March 31, marking a major milestone in regulating the country’s rapidly growing gig economy while strengthening welfare and protections for more than 1.6 million workers…

Under Act 872, gig workers now have clearer legal protections, including transparency in service agreements, agreed income rates, prohibition of discrimination, social security coverage through PERKESO, and occupational safety and health protection…

The law covers both platform workers, such as e-hailing drivers and delivery riders, as well as non-platform gig workers in sectors including film, music, translation, creative work, and journalism.

The legislation also introduces a more structured dispute resolution process. Disputes will first go through conciliation under the Industrial Relations Department, and unresolved cases will be referred to the Gig Workers Tribunal…

To support enforcement and worker protection, the government has launched a new complaint management platform called eAduan, allowing gig workers to file complaints related to payments, account suspensions, or contract breaches…

The government said the move reflects a balanced approach to supporting digital economy growth while ensuring worker welfare remains a priority, placing Malaysia among the first countries in the region to introduce comprehensive legislation specifically for the gig economy sector.