By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 9: The Federal government and Grab have agreed to co-fund a RM160 million package aimed at increasing net income and improving the welfare of e-hailing and p-hailing workers, starting in 2027.
This was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
“This package includes an increase in minimum income rates for e-hailing and p-hailing workers, assistance for vehicle maintenance and insurance costs, as well as Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) contributions.
“This means that the median net income for e-hailing drivers is expected to increase by up to RM227 per month, while p-hailing delivery drivers will see an increase of up to RM100 per month,” he said.
In addition, he said the Federal government has agreed to offer a 35 per cent SOCSO matching contribution incentive to e-hailing and p-hailing workers. The incentive is expected to be increased to 50 per cent if the platform company also bears the contribution for the workers.
Apart from e-hailing and p-hailing workers, the government is also offering a 70 per cent SOCSO matching contribution incentive to over 200,000 self-employed individuals across 17 non-mandatory sectors while SOCSO tax relief is expanded to cover mandatory Self-Employment Social Security Scheme contributions.
An additional relief of up to RM150 is also expected to be provided for voluntary contributions to the 24-Hour Protection and Self-Protection Schemes.
“To encourage retirement savings among e-hailing and p-hailing drivers, the government is offering an EPF matching contribution incentive of up to RM600 per year or RM6,000 over a lifetime,” he said, noting that BSN and Agrobank are also expected to provide RM270 million to fund gig workers who want to start a business and purchase their first home.
Meanwhile, he noted that the Gig Consultative Council is currently in the consultation phase to establish minimum income rates, income formulas, and minimum social protection standards for gig workers, which will be finalised in early 2027. – DayakDaily
