Curb ‘modern slavery’ among delivery riders, says group
FMT Reporters -September 26, 2022 10:18 AM
PETALING JAYA: A group representing p-hailing riders has urged Putrajaya to improve the ecosystem of the gig economy in Budget 2023 to look after their welfare.
The Malaysian P-Hailing Delivery Riders Association (Penghantar) urged Putrajaya to consider implementing a floor plan on wages to ensure delivery riders receive a stable income.
“There should be no more reduction of payment rates for delivery services,” Penghantar president Zulhelmi Mansor told FMT, adding that “modern slavery” should be abolished.
Zulhelmi said p-hailing riders had played a crucial role in the development of the gig economy and the national economy, especially in the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said p-hailing riders hoped for an extension of the 80% incentive for those who contributed to the Social Security Organisation’s (Socso) self-employed social security scheme (SKSPS).
Under the scheme, the self-employed only needed to pay RM20 to RM30 to Socso a year, with Putrajaya covering the other 80%.
“We are also hoping for a special RM500 incentive for p-hailing riders to service their motorcycles, as well as easier access to housing and car loans. At the moment, their income is not recognised by the private banking sector,” he said.
For many, the gig economy offers an opportunity to earn an extra income while allowing them to pursue their own passions as well as spend time with family.
Proposals to offer riders permanent employee status have become a topic of debate, following reports that the government intends to study and regulate the gig economy.
The transport ministry has also mooted plans to amend three Acts to protect the welfare and interest of riders.
A total of 400,000 food delivery riders have now become an essential segment of the nation’s gig economy, supporting giant firms like Grab and foodpanda.
Budget 2023 is set to be tabled on Oct 7.
