Gig worker social security cover active after first task acceptance, says Socso

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — Social security protection for gig workers under the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872) will take effect once they have registered with a platform provider and accepted their first task.

The Social Security Organisation (Socso), in a statement today, said the postpaid protection mechanism provides one-year coverage for gig workers upon fulfilling the two initial prerequisites.

According to Socso, the approach was outlined during the tabling of the Gig Workers Bill 2025 for second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, aimed at addressing the concerns among workers earning part-time income.

“Socso protection status remains active after the two initial prerequisites are fulfilled, even if gig workers do not receive bookings for several days or have not yet paid the minimum monthly contribution of RM13.10.

“Socso remains committed to facilitating and addressing any bureaucratic red tape in the enforcement of Act 872 to ensure that the rights of gig workers are protected, particularly in obtaining social security protection,” the statement said.

The statement was issued in response to media reports on concerns raised by Persatuan Rakan Penghantar Melaka (RPM) regarding guarantees and protection under the LINDUNG Kendiri scheme.

Socso explained that Section 83(e) of Act 872 provides for the obligation of platform providers to inform gig workers to pay the shortfall in the minimum monthly contribution.

The provision applies if the contribution deducted by the platform provider does not meet the minimum contribution rate based on the selected insured monthly earnings under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017.

To facilitate monitoring, Socso said gig workers can also check their accumulated contributions and protection status through the Prihatin application. — Bernama