by AFIQ HANIF / pic BERNAMA

PUTERI Umno chief Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi (picture) expressed concern over the welfare of young individuals engaged in the thriving “gig” economy.

Highlighting the increasing number of young people joining platforms like Foodpanda, Grabfood and Lalamove, the Puteri Umno chief emphasised the need for the government to establish effective mechanisms that guarantee the wellbeing of these gig workers.

“It is crucial to prevent them from becoming victims of technological advancements and systemic challenges,” she said during her opening speech at Puteri general assembly in Kuala Lumpur today.

Nurul Amal stressed that “gig” workers should be entitled to essential benefits such as contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organisation (Socso), and insurance coverage. 

She stressed that by ensuring these protections, gig workers can have more dignified career opportunities.

“It is proposed that special acts be drafted to safeguard the interests of gig workers, mirroring the Minimum Wage Order (PGM) of 2020 and by setting fair pricing structures for e-hailing services.

“I called for a more targeted and structured taxation system, particularly for young individuals who are at the beginning stages of their lives and careers. The current tax percentages imposed on this demographic are comparable to those already established in their professional lives,” she said.

In light of this, the government is urged to implement tax reduction policies or establish different tax brackets tailored specifically for individuals under 30 years of age and would alleviate the financial burden on young people, fostering their economic growth and stability.

“As the gig economy continues to flourish and young individuals face distinct challenges in their financial and educational journeys, it is imperative for the government to take concrete steps to safeguard the welfare of ‘gig’ workers and implement targeted tax policies, while also addressing the factors contributing to the decline in higher education enrolment among young people.

“By addressing these concerns, the nation can ensure a brighter future for its youth and a more inclusive and prosperous society overall,” she said.

The Puteri Umno chief also urged the government to take a more assertive and progressive measure to attract the interest of young individuals in continuing their studies at a higher level, whether through traditional or technical education.

This, she added, would also involve a standardised rate for industrial training allowances in the private sector is necessary to protect the rights of students.

“Another pressing issue that needs attention is the enforcement of industrial training allowances, particularly in the private sector. Despite amendments to the payment system, the fate of students undertaking internships in private companies remains uncertain.

“It is essential for the government to establish a minimum allowance payment to ensure that no party takes advantage of these students and that they receive appropriate incentives for their contributions,” she said.