GOGIGGERS PROGRAMME PAVES WAY TO FINANCIAL DIGNITY FOR SABAH GIG WORKERS

KOTA KINABALU, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- The GoGiggers Financial Literacy Programme 2025: Jelajah Borneo - Sabah leg has recorded significant improvements in financial discipline and social protection among gig workers in the state, with 98 per cent of participants now registered as members of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

The programme, organised by the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) in collaboration with foodpanda and supported by Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) and EPF, concluded with a closing ceremony here today involving 89 delivery partners, also known as ‘Rakan Riders’.

Acting AKPK Chief Executive Officer Azman Hasim said the initiative supported the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap, particularly its second pillar on human capital development and people’s well-being.

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He said gig workers played a vital role in Sabah’s modern economy and must be equipped with strong financial literacy to build long-term resilience.

"At the highest levels of AKPK, our mission is clear - we are here to ensure that no Malaysian is left defenceless against economic volatility,” he said in his closing address.

Azman said the Sabah cohort had emerged as a national benchmark for the gig economy, citing the near-universal EPF registration rate as a milestone in formalising social protection for delivery partners.

He added that the collective savings of the Borneo cohort (Sabah and Sarawak) increased by 379 per cent over six months, rising from RM9,990 to RM47,879, with average savings exceeding RM500 per rider.

“In Sabah specifically, the dedicated use of the AKPK Ringgit Diary led to over RM21,000 in tracked savings,” he said.

Azman said a survey conducted last month showed participants recorded a 20 per cent improvement in overall financial well-being and a 26 per cent increase in financial resilience, reflecting stronger preparedness for unexpected expenses.

He said the collaboration with EPF had helped dispel the perception that gig work was unprotected by enabling delivery partners to participate in formal social security schemes, thereby reducing the risk of old-age poverty.

The programme also recognised top achievers, with six Sabah delivery partners each saving more than RM1,000 during the programme period, highlighting consistent savings habits despite the demands of gig work.

Azman said AKPK reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national financial resilience through financial education, advisory services and structured tools, in line with its mission to promote long-term financial stability among Malaysians

Meanwhile, foodpanda Malaysia Director of Operations Shubham Saran at the closing ceremony said that the programme demonstrated the impact of combining financial education with strong commitment among delivery partners.

“The Sabah cohort has shown what is possible when financial literacy meets real commitment. The strong participation in savings and retirement schemes reflects a shift in mindset, where delivery partners are not just earning for today, but actively planning for their futures,” he said.

The six-month hybrid programme, which has been conducted since July 2025, equips participants with essential financial knowledge through interactive learning methods.

-- BERNAMA