Gig workers laud welfare measures

E-HAILING drivers and delivery riders have welcomed the welfare measures announced under the 2027 Budget, saying they will ease operating costs, improve earnings and strengthen social protection.

Rider Mohd Iskandar Demali, 27, said vehicle maintenance and insurance assistance would reduce the financial burden of the job.

"I spend more than eight hours on the road every day delivering food, so my motorcycle needs frequent servicing," he said.

E-hailing driver Sulaiman Ibrahim, 44, a single father of three, welcomed the expected rise in median monthly net income by up to RM227.

"I hope to manage my family's expenses better and save for my children."

Rider Mohd Kusyairi Jamaluddin, 30, described the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) matching contributions as an important safety net, given the high accident risk of delivery work.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced a RM160 million joint government-Grab package to improve gig workers' welfare from next year.

It includes higher median net income (up to RM227 for drivers, RM100 for riders), vehicle maintenance aid, insurance coverage, and Perkeso contributions and EPF matching of up to RM600 annually (capped at RM6,000 lifetime).