Gig economy limits workers’ full potential: Malaysian minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (MNTV) — Jobs in the gig economy may offer quick financial returns but in the long run they prevent workers from realising their full potential, said Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong. 

Malaysia Kini quoted the minister as saying that this is not only a loss for individuals but also a setback to Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a high-income, knowledge-based economy.

“A 2022 study found that 47.16% of gig workers hold only SPM or diploma-level qualifications,” Sim stated. “They could fill high-skilled job vacancies, but their education and training are not being fully utilised.”

He added that Malaysia needs millions of trainers and technicians to meet industry demand – a goal that requires more comprehensive training programmes.

To address this, the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) has been tasked by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) to ensure that gig workers have access to quality training programmes that can help them build sustainable, competitive careers.

HRD Corp will work with associations and companies representing gig workers to directly connect them with training opportunities, he added. 

“We have just passed the Gig Workers Bill two months ago, which for the first time provides employment protection for millions of gig workers in Malaysia,” he said.

“HRD Corp and KESUMA will continue to expand their efforts to provide more training programmes, including free courses to help Malaysians adapt to the new AI-driven job market,” he said.