KUALA LUMPUR: Around 19 per cent of gig workers in Malaysia plan to make it their career for the long-term, according to a study by the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR Centre).

The head of the 4IR Centre Malaysia, Fabian Bigar said the study found that gig workers value the flexibility, accessibility, and extra income provided by the gig economy.

Fabian, who is also the MyDIGITAL Corporation chief executive officer, said that people are drawn to all types of gig work, whether platform-based or not, because of the flexible and accessible opportunities for additional income it offers.

"Nearly 80 per cent of gig workers are 25 years old and above, with a large segment in the 25 to 34 age group. Additionally, 60 per cent have a diploma or higher qualification.

"Another finding is that 70 per cent of gig workers are involved in part-time work, contributing an average of 37 per cent to their total income, serving as an additional source of income rather than the main source," he said after launching a white paper titled 'What Gig Workers Want' here today.

Fabian has also pointed out key recommendations from the white paper for the government, including the need to provide social security, especially for those with lower incomes and those considering gig work as a long-term career, as well as better social protection for e-workers.

"There needs to be a long-term solution for this. Even though only 19 percent of gig workers plan to make it a long-term career, it represents a significant portion of the workforce," added Fabian.

The white paper stated that the government, through the Ministry of Human Resource and its agencies, should invest in training and education programmes to help gig workers develop new skills, enhance their employability, and transition to higher paying gigs or traditional employment. 

This could involve partnerships with educational institutions, industry associations, and employers to offer relevant training opportunities. 

These objectives can also be achieved by building upon existing programmes, such as the partnership between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and gig platforms, and PERKESO's Bina Kerja programme, says the white paper.

In Malaysia, gig workers represent a significant portion of the labour market, comprising 26 per cent of the workforce, or about 4 million people. 

The study, conducted over nearly five months starting early this year, included 1,500 gig workers from across the country.

The Malaysian Parliament will discuss in July a new bill aimed at forming the Gig Workers Commission, which is part of the government's recognition of the gig economy's growing influence, particularly among the youth.

Last month, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed plans for the Gig Workers Commission Bill, which seeks to address the increasing participation of young Malaysians in freelance and contract-based employment.

Meanwhile,the Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo in his speech delivered virtually said gig workers have become an essential part of the digital economy in Malaysia and the region.

"Therefore, in collaboration with Ipsos Malaysia, the 4IR Centre will highlight important insights into gig workers and what they value most.

"This center will play a crucial role in promoting digital literacy and inclusiveness among the people in this country.

"I look forward to the progress and innovation that the Centre will continue to champion and nurture, for the betterment of our country and our people," added Gobind.

One of the 4IR Centre missions is to champion policy development and accelerate technology adoption.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/06/1066123/19-pct-gig-workers-plan-make-it -long-term-career-study