Malaysia Urged to Speed Up Gig Economy Commission to Protect Riders from Drug Syndicates

Malaysia needs to expedite the establishment of the Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM) to provide a strong legal shield for its more than 1.2 million gig workers, particularly delivery riders. This urgency stems from a significant rise in drug syndicates exploiting courier and express delivery services, using gig workers as unwitting accomplices and scapegoats. The Malaysian police have reported a notable increase in such cases, highlighting the precarious situation of delivery personnel.

Abdul Hakim Abdul Rani, deputy president of the Malaysian P-Hailing Riders Association (PPHM), stated that the surge in criminal cases involving delivery services clearly indicates a worrying state of safety and dignity for p-hailing workers. He explained that most riders lack the ability or expertise to inspect the contents of sealed packages, leaving them vulnerable to legal repercussions if apprehended by authorities for offenses they did not commit. "This exposes them to the threat of drastic legal action if detained by authorities during transit for offenses they did not commit," Abdul Hakim said.

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This exposes them to the threat of drastic legal action if detained by authorities during transit for offenses they did not commit.

He believes SEGiM's establishment, coupled with relevant legislation, can streamline delivery standard operating procedures. This includes enforcing Know Your Customer (KYC) methods for senders to prevent anonymous transactions. SEGiM should empower riders with the legal right to refuse suspicious packages without fear of disciplinary action, account suspension, or income deductions from platform companies. The commission's role should extend beyond wage rates and social security contributions to include legal aid and protection for workers' safety and integrity.

"The government needs to and should expedite the establishment of SEGiM to ensure that every gig economy participant in the country can work in a safe, fair, and protected environment from exploitation by irresponsible parties," Abdul Hakim urged. PDRM recorded 57 cases of courier service misuse for drug delivery between January and June, a trend that has nearly doubled, prompting stricter collaboration with relevant parties to curb these activities.

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The government needs to and should expedite the establishment of SEGiM to ensure that every gig economy participant in the country can work in a safe, fair, and protected environment from exploitation by irresponsible parties.