KUALA LUMPUR 3 April 2026 (The Capital Post) – The Malaysian government has announced plans to form a new tribunal council designed to enhance safeguards and dispute resolution mechanisms for gig economy workers, a move welcomed by advocates seeking better employment protections for on‑demand labourers.
Human Resources Minister Hannah Yeoh said the council will serve as a dedicated body to resolve employment disputes involving gig workers, including issues related to pay, benefits and unfair treatment, that are not always adequately addressed under current labour laws. She added that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to adapting labour protections to the evolving nature of work.
Under the new framework, gig workers will be able to bring complaints to the tribunal council without needing to pursue lengthy and costly court cases, while employers and platforms are expected to participate in a more structured process to ensure fair outcomes. The council will consist of representatives from government agencies, employers’ associations and gig worker advocacy groups.
Yeoh noted that the increase in gig and platform‑based jobs has created regulatory challenges, as existing labour frameworks were developed largely for traditional employment models. The tribunal council is intended to fill that gap by providing an accessible and specialised forum for resolving conflicts that arise in app‑based work arrangements.
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In outlining the proposal, the minister emphasised that strengthening worker protections will promote greater stability and confidence within the gig economy, which employs tens of thousands of Malaysians across sectors such as ride‑hailing, delivery services and freelancing.
Stakeholders in the labour movement have largely welcomed the announcement as a step toward more equitable working conditions, calling on authorities to ensure the tribunal council is resourced effectively and operates independently of political or commercial influence.-The Capital Post
