According to the article, "Poor students forgoing higher education, cause for concern" by Bernama, there has been an increasing trend in Malaysian students from low-income households forgoing higher education, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.
High school graduates from low-income households who have completed their SPM often face the obligation to enter the workforce promptly to provide financial assistance to their families and cover their expenses.
The gig economy may appear as a potentially profitable sector for these students, offering a swift income source.
The above shift in the younger generation’s perspective about their career pathway can be a serious concern as the gig economy provides less stability, security and earning potential than a more "regular" career in the long term.
Gig workers are also not protected under the Work Act 1995 and other labour ordinances.
Gig platforms often lack benefits like health coverage and paid leave for workers.
Job security is lower, and gig workers shoulder more risk using personal resources for tasks such as deliveries or freelance work ("22 gig economy statistics for 2023").
Despite existing retirement saving options like EPF's i-Saraan for gig workers, their awareness and participation are limited.
This highlights the need for government-led educational initiatives to boost awareness.
Malaysian Gig Economy Commission (SEGiM), to be announced in the 2024 Budget, seeks to address informal workforce challenges and ensure gig worker well-being.
This framework is crucial for supporting gig workers, facilitating their ongoing economic contributions, and enabling skill enhancement – upskilling, reskilling, and cross-skilling ("Gig economy commission to improve the welfare of workers to be unveiled in Budget 2024").
