Budget 2025: Empowering Gig Workers for Malaysia’s Prosperous Future

By Shubham Saran, Director of Operations, foodpanda Malaysia 

This year’s Budget 2025, themed ‘Negara Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera’ highlights the vital role the digital economy plays in Malaysia’s next phase of growth. The gig economy, including sectors like food delivery and quick commerce, has emerged as a key driver of this transformation. Gig workers, who are the backbone of these industries, have become indispensable in supporting businesses and providing flexible income opportunities for many Malaysians.

To recognise and address the needs of the gig economy, the Malaysian government has been proactive in introducing initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of gig workers. One such programme is the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SESSS) under PERKESO, which provides insurance coverage and safety nets. The government also created a gig i-Saraan programme under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) so that gig workers regardless of their employment status have avenues to start saving for retirement. Additionally, upskilling programmes such as  MYFutureJobs and MDEC’s Global Online Workforce Program (GLOW) programme focuses on job matching and upskilling freelancers to enhance their opportunities in the digital economy, while upskilling courses offered by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth and Sports on technical and vocational education and training (TVET)  enable gig workers to adapt to ever-changing market demands.

Collaborative Solutions for a Thriving Gig Economy

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the gig economy, collaboration is essential. All stakeholders from government bodies, industry platforms, and the gig workers themselves should be consulted and work together to create a thriving ecosystem. Such cooperation will not only uplift gig workers but also contribute significantly to Malaysia’s overall economic progress. By fostering a supportive environment, the gig economy can continue to grow, enabling gig workers, businesses, and communities to prosper collectively.

foodpanda’s Commitment to Uplifting Gig Workers

At foodpanda, we deeply value the contribution of gig workers, particularly our delivery partners, who play a vital role in driving our business and supporting Malaysia’s broader digital economy. Our flagship rider engagement panda hearts programme is a testament to our dedication to the well-being and growth of our delivery partners. Through these initiatives, we aim to provide them with holistic support in areas such as financial literacy, safety, and personal development.

By enabling riders to access these essential services, we aim to reduce the vulnerabilities they face in the gig economy and enhance their financial security: 

• Skills Development and Upskilling
  Through our partnership with Manipal International University, delivery partners can now pursue diploma courses while continuing to work. This initiative enables delivery partners to further their education, opening up opportunities for higher-skilled roles, either within foodpanda or other industries. We previously worked with SOLS Foundation to provide delivery partners with short courses in areas such as language proficiency, personal finance management, and digital literacy, enabling them to earn more through better service and customer interaction.
• Financial Accessibility
  Our Go Giggers Financial Literacy Programme 2024 partnered with AKPK and BSN to provide comprehensive financial education to over 5,000 delivery partners. Focus topics include budgeting, savings, and financial decision-making through infographics, edu-videos, and podcasts, and includes a six-month personalised coaching plan for long-term financial stability.
• Social Security and Work Insurance
  Besides providing our delivery partners with insurance cover (with an option for extension to their families at a discounted rate), we’ve collaborated with government schemes like SOCSO and EPF, encouraging gig workers to register for social protection plans that offer healthcare, retirement savings, and accident coverage.

Pioneers

Of note, with foodpanda obtaining halal certification, bekal by foodpanda not only positions foodpanda as pioneers in halal food delivery services but also helped to upskill delivery partners who are now trained to ensure that halal-certified food and products are delivered with the highest level of care. These transferable skills enable our delivery partners to participate in this rapidly growing sector, should they wish to do so beyond the gig economy in future.

Looking Ahead: Budget 2025 and Beyond

As we look towards the future with Budget 2025, we hope to see continued government support for the digital economy. Business-friendly policies will drive further innovation and growth within the gig economy. We also anticipate continued efforts to develop the halal economy, with delivery platforms like foodpanda facilitating the expansion of halal-certified businesses and contributing to Malaysia’s status as a global halal hub. The continuation of gig-worker-focused funding similar to previous budgets and continuation of government initiatives like Telco Rahmah and upskilling courses via TVET will also help gig workers thrive. 

Ultimately, Budget 2025 presents an opportunity to shape a prosperous future for Malaysia, where both the country and its people can thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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