Gig Tribunal Plan Criticised

The Melaka Gig Delivery Partners Association (RPM) has slammed the newly announced Gig Workers Tribunal, saying it’s ‘half‑cooked’ because the government has yet to publish any detailed implementation plan or operating guidelines. The tribunal, created under the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872), is meant to give gig workers a specialised forum for disputes, but RPM fears the lack of clarity will render it ineffective and could leave workers without real protection. Without concrete rules on jurisdiction, procedures and enforcement, the body risks becoming a symbolic gesture rather than a functional safety net for the rapidly growing gig economy in Malaysia.

Highlights the gap between policy intent and practical rollout, signalling potential setbacks for gig workers’ rights and prompting calls for clearer regulatory guidance.

The tribunal is supposed to be the cornerstone of dispute resolution for a sector that now powers much of Malaysia’s urban commerce. If it launches without clear rules, workers may face prolonged conflicts, and the government risks criticism for tokenism, undermining confidence in future gig‑economy reforms and could stall broader labour‑rights initiatives.