ADDITIONAL RM100 MILLION FUNDING REFLECTS GOVT RECOGNITION OF GIG WORKERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- The additional RM100 million allocation to the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK), for skills training and social protection funding for gig workers, reflects the government’s recognition of the sector’s strategic role.

Through the incentive, gig workers expressed hope that the allocation would be utilised for short-term courses to enhance training and technical skills, as well as for psychological support for those who often face work-related challenges, including safety risks and income uncertainty.

In TERENGGANU, a Maxim e-hailing driver, Md Yassin Embong, 52, from Kampung Teluk Pasu, hopes that the allocation will be channelled towards free social protection and safety programmes for gig workers.

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Md Yassin, who has been involved in the industry for the past five years, said that he pays RM200 annually for contributions to the Social Security Organisation’s (Perkeso) Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS), also known as ‘Lindung Kendiri’.

“In Terengganu, the income of e-hailing drivers is not as high as that of drivers in major cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang. My net monthly income is between RM2,000 and RM2,500,” he said.

“Initiatives such as the government’s provision of free PERKESO contributions can, to some extent, help ease the burden on those of us who have to work day and night to earn a living,” he said.

Meanwhile, food delivery worker, Lee Choon Beng, 46, said the allocation should be channelled immediately to safeguard the welfare and long-term sustainability of gig workers, including through the provision of skills courses which are suitable for career development.

In SARAWAK, Mohammad Naseem Razali, 27, who has been working as a gig worker for more than four years, suggested that the allocation be used for communication and public interaction training, in view of Visit Malaysia 2026.

“Since this year is Visit Malaysia 2026, there may be a need for training in terms of interaction with foreign tourists, as we are among the frontliners welcoming visitors,” he said.

In addition, Mohammad Naseem expressed hope that the government and operating companies would take steps to improve the gig industry system, particularly with regard to payment structures.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, e-hailing worker Mohd Alias Abu Bakar, 34, welcomed the allocation, saying that it would benefit more gig workers, as most of them are not from the high-income group.

“This assistance is also a form of recognition for our efforts to improve our economic situation and quality of life in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, a food delivery worker, who wished to be known as Mustaqim, 26, hoped that further clarification would be provided to ensure that the assistance could be fully utilised by the group.

In SELANGOR, e-hailing worker Ahmad Ashraf Che Razali, 31, said that the announcement of the additional allocation by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday had indirectly boosted confidence that the industry has a bright future.

“At the same time, it enables workers to become more skilled, and to be fully protected while carrying out their duties in the field,” he said.

For p-hailing rider Muhammad Muzaimie Ahmat, 31, the additional allocation is in line with current needs, as the e-hailing and p-hailing sectors are now regarded as the backbone of mobility and the daily economy for many people.

In SABAH, GrabFood delivery rider Mohd Jofri Moksin, 23, from Penampang, said that the incentive is important, to ensure that the country optimises the potential of existing talent, thereby positioning the gig sector as a platform, before workers are absorbed into the job market in a more sustainable manner.

The Bachelor’s degree holder in Visual Arts Technology, from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, said university graduates can no longer rely solely on their academic qualifications to secure employment, especially given the challenging job market in the state.

Meanwhile, Foodpanda delivery rider, Ebi Farhan Ramlee, 25, from Papar, described the skills enhancement initiative as highly relevant for young graduates who take up gig work temporarily, as it could help them transition to jobs with better income prospects.

“Many of my colleagues hold diplomas and degrees, but are forced to do this work due to the lack of permanent job opportunities in Sabah,” he said.

“If our talents are developed through professional training, our chances of securing better jobs will be higher,” said the Diploma in Marketing holder from a private college, who has been involved in the sector for the past three years.

In KEDAH, GrabFood delivery rider, Muhammad Izat Ahmad, 30, from Alor Setar, expressed his gratitude to the government, saying that the additional allocation would enable gig workers to enhance their self-protection.

“We food delivery riders are constantly exposed to risks, especially road accidents, so when the government provides assistance, it helps reduce our concerns as we continue to serve in this sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nor Azlina Kamaruddin, 26, from Pendang, who has been working as a delivery rider for the past two years, said that the e-hailing and p-hailing sectors offer broad opportunities, and much to learn through the acquisition of additional skills.

“The training provided can enhance our knowledge and help us master skills, which can be applied in the future,” she said.

-- BERNAMA