Half of p-hailing riders rely on gig work full-time, survey finds

KUALA LUMPUR: About half of more than 5,000 p-hailing riders surveyed nationwide rely on gig work as a full-time job.

A survey conducted by Persatuan Perpaduan Rakan Penghantar Malaysia last year also found that half of the respondents relied on p-hailing as their main source of income.

Its chairman, Haris Fadillah Arsyad, said some respondents had been working in the gig sector for more than 10 years, citing higher earnings than formal-sector jobs and flexible working hours as among the reasons.

As such, Haris said the association disagreed with the perception that gig work in Malaysia was only suitable as a temporary job.

"Based on the survey we conducted in several zones we visited, the majority of p-hailing riders do this work full-time. So, I disagree with the view that it is only suitable as temporary work," he told Berita Harian.

Gig workers nationwide are estimated to number 1.12 million, including about 600,000 p-hailing riders.

Haris said 1,736 p-hailing riders were currently registered with the association, with 70 per cent aged between 18 and 35.

Another 26 per cent were aged between 35 and 45, while four per cent were between 45 and 60.

"They can earn a minimum of about RM3,000 a month and up to RM6,000, depending on how much they work," he said.

He said earnings from the sector also enabled some riders to purchase vehicles and homes through the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP).

SJKP is a government initiative under the Finance Ministry to assist those with irregular incomes, including gig workers and small traders.

"The Gig Workers Act 2025 has encouraged more young people to enter the sector as they are recognised as workers, including being required to make contributions," he said.

"If this work were only suitable as a temporary job, why would the government introduce an act? This clearly shows there is strong demand for this type of work," he said.