Malaysia has a thriving food and retail industry, and part-time and gig workers play an essential role in driving its growth. The government has recognized the importance of this segment of the workforce and has taken several initiatives to support and protect their interests.
The first and most significant initiative is the establishment of the Social Security Organization (SOCSO), which provides social security protection for all employees, including part-time and gig workers. SOCSO provides various benefits to eligible workers, such as medical treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation for loss of income due to temporary or permanent disability. It also provides financial assistance to dependents in case of a worker's death or permanent disability.
The government has also implemented several policies and regulations to ensure that part-time and gig workers receive fair wages and working conditions. The Minimum Wages Order (MWO) 2020, which sets the minimum wage for all workers, including part-time and gig workers, was introduced to ensure that employees receive fair compensation for their work. The MWO ensures that part-time and gig workers receive a minimum wage that is commensurate with the hours they work.
The Employment Act 1955 and the Industrial Relations Act 1967 also provide protection to part-time and gig workers. These laws establish the legal rights and responsibilities of employers and employees and ensure that all workers are treated fairly and equitably.
The Malaysian government has also launched several programs to provide training and upskilling opportunities to part-time and gig workers in the F&B and retail industry. For instance, the government launched the Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) program, which provides training and development programs to workers in various industries, including F&B and retail. The program aims to enhance workers' skills and competencies, making them more employable and contributing to the growth of the industry.
Moreover, the government has also implemented several measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the F&B and retail industry, which are significant employers of part-time and gig workers. For instance, the government launched the SME Digitalization Grant, which provides financial assistance to SMEs to adopt digital technologies to improve their business operations. The grant aims to help SMEs enhance their competitiveness, increase their revenue, and create more job opportunities for part-time and gig workers.
The government has also introduced the Wage Subsidy Program, which provides financial assistance to employers who retain their employees, including part-time and gig workers, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program aims to help businesses affected by the pandemic to stay afloat and retain their workforce.
The Malaysian government has taken several initiatives to support and protect the interests of part-time and gig workers in the F&B and retail industries. These measures include providing social security protection, ensuring fair wages and working conditions, providing training and upskilling opportunities, supporting SMEs, and providing financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives have contributed to the growth of the industry and improved the livelihoods of part-time and gig workers in Malaysia.
At DoWork, we are supporting the government's efforts to facilitate access to part-time and gig job opportunities for Malaysians. We aim to make it easier for individuals to find and choose flexible work opportunities that suit their preferences, allowing them to determine when, where, and how much they work and earn.