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Gig Workers, Social Protection and Labour Market Inequality: Lessons from Malaysia

Author

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  • Uchiyama, Yosuke

    (Department of East Asian Studies Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.)

  • Furuoka, Fumitaka

    (Asia-Europe Institute University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.)

  • Md. Akhir, Md. Nasrudin

    (Department of East Asian Studies Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences University of Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.)

Abstract

The rise of the Gig Economy has created new concerns about inequality in rapidly digitising Asian economies. Whilst the emergence of the “on-demand economy†creates new opportunities for the youths and low-income groups, this has also created new policy challenges. As many use unofficial digital platforms and/or operate as unregistered self-run businesses, they remain outside the social protection system, leaving them especially vulnerable during times of crisis. This study therefore aims to provide new insights into this issue - social protection for gig workers - drawing upon the Malaysian experience. Using primary data collected through semi-structured interviews, we examine the working conditions of e-hailing drivers and online food delivery riders, two of the largest mainstream on-demand app-based gig workers’ groups in the country. The collected data were examined based on thematic analysis employing 15 subtopics and 3 main themes: (i) performance-based short-term decent work; (ii) platform and customer-centricity operations, and (iii) ecosystem for gig worker sustainability. From the perspective of gig workers, the study narrates their actual working conditions and perceived inequalities. Based on the findings, we conclude by critically reflecting on the potential for developing a worker-centred policy for social protection in the Gig Economy in Malaysia and elsewhere in Asia.

Suggested Citation

  • Uchiyama, Yosuke & Furuoka, Fumitaka & Md. Akhir, Md. Nasrudin, 2022. "Gig Workers, Social Protection and Labour Market Inequality: Lessons from Malaysia," Jurnal Ekonomi Malaysia, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, vol. 56(3), pages 165-184.
    • Handle: RePEc:ukm:jlekon:v:56:y:2022:i:3:p:165-184
    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/JEM-2022-5603-09
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gig economy; Malaysia; inequality; labour policy; social protection;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J40 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - General
    • J46 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Informal Labor Market

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