Gig workers urged to establish cooperative, protect welfare

SHAH ALAM - The National Cooperative Movement of Malaysia (Angkasa) has urged gig sector workers to set up a cooperative to look into their welfare.

Its deputy president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Abdul Razak said the initiative would help the sector receive overall benefits as the cooperative's inclusivity would address the social and economic needs of its members.

"Gig workers especially those working as couriers contribute significantly in meeting the needs of society through the delivery of food and goods in an organised and efficient manner in this digital era.

"However, they often face challenges that include instability in employment such as variable wages and the lack of social protection," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

He said this when commenting on the acceptance of the proposed Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (Segim) by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid had encouraged the setting up of Segim to safeguard the welfare of the entire economic chain starting from service providers, suppliers and consumers.

Rahman added the cooperative would aid in managing gig workers from services, repair and motorcycle financing.

He further added that if there are individuals who have suffered from accidents, the emergency fund could be used for assistance.