Grab Malaysia has called for a balanced, flexible rules in upcoming Gig Workers Bill in Malaysia.

The firm said in a statement on Thursday that in line with previous feedback shared alongside industry players, it believes that the bill should be underpinned by three essential principles: flexibility, balance, innovation and collaboration.

According to the statement, Grab supports regulations that protect workers’ flexibility and income opportunities that the gig economy offers.

However, it noted that excessive regulations can stifle innovation, disrupt operations, and reduce gig opportunities.

It opined that smaller players may face challenges competing due to high compliance costs.

Additionally, since gig work is effort-based, it highlighted that a one-size-fits-all policy may not be appropriate.

Grab also urged for a clear, fair and inclusive Bill, that does not stifle innovation and undermine Malaysia’s digital economy.

According to the firm, unclear policy alignment will lead to poor implementation of the bill, potentially harming the very people the bill seeks to protect.

Hence, it opined that a thorough regulatory impact assessment and gradual policy implementation is essential to avoid unintended consequences such as higher consumer costs or reduced gig worker earnings.

This also allows businesses to plan for the necessary resources to comply with regulations, it added.

Grab also said it continuously welcome a more thoughtful, inclusive, and data-driven approach that ensures regulations serve the long-term interests of all stakeholders.

Given the diverse and rapidly evolving nature of the gig economy, Grab emphasizes the need for close collaboration between regulators, platforms, and gig workers.

It is also crucial that the regulatory framework considers all types and natures of gig work, not just platform-based work, to ensure fairness and inclusivity across the sector, it said.

It noted the framework should encourage innovation while protecting workers’ independence and adaptability to meet future needs.

“At its core, Grab has been focused on creating flexible earning opportunities for our driver- and delivery-partners, enabling them to decide their own work patterns and hours,

“Over the years, the company has invested heavily in their welfare, providing group personal accident insurance coverage, facilitating contributions to social protection schemes, offering upskilling and professional development programs, and extending day-to-day benefits such as fuel discounts,” it said.

It also said the firm is committed to actively engage in further discussions that will shape effective and balanced regulations that protect gig workers and drive growth in Malaysia’s digital economy.

“By working together, we intend to co-create a framework that not only protects gig workers but also, drives innovation and inclusive growth for years to come,” it said.

It is noted that Grab Malaysia has been invited to participate in a discussion about Gig Workers Bill with the Finance and Economy Select Committee at Parliament on August 18.

This discussion was chaired by Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah, who is also Paya Besar Member of Parliament.

“We remain committed to collaborative efforts to ensure that regulations are thoughtfully crafted to reflect the realities of gig work, prioritizing good regulations, rather than rushed regulations, for the benefit of all stakeholders,” said Grab.



#GigEconomy #FlexibleWork #DigitalEconomy #InclusiveRegulation #InnovationAndCollaboration