Santiago calls for Gig Workers Act review to address extreme heat

PETALING JAYA: Former Klang MP Charles Santiago today called for a review of the Gig Workers Act to ensure greater protection against climate change impacts, with extreme heat recognised as an occupational health hazard instead of being treated as ordinary weather or a personal responsibility.

Santiago said the rising heat faced by delivery riders exposed gaps in worker protection, as many continue working despite heat-related symptoms because their income depends on completing deliveries.

“For a rider paid per delivery, there is no paid rest and no paid sick leave. The moment they stop working because of the heat, they stop earning,” he said in a Facebook post.

“Most of us are unaware that our convenience comes at a price,” he said, adding that consumers’ reliance on delivery services must be balanced with greater responsibility from platform companies.

Santiago was commenting on a survey by a news portal of 51 delivery riders, which found that 90% reported hotter working conditions, with many experiencing headaches, dizziness, and fatigue on the job.

The Gig Workers Act, which came into force on March 31, establishes a dedicated legal framework for the estimated 1.64 million gig workers in Malaysia. It also aims to regulate the relationship between gig workers and platform providers, while introducing mechanisms to address disputes and improve worker protections.

Santiago said while the occupational safety and health department issued heat stress guidance in 2016, guidelines alone were insufficient as many delivery riders were not recognised as employees under existing labour protections.

He called on service providers such as Grab and Foodpanda to introduce measures including mandatory rest breaks, heat alerts, safe waiting areas, and the right for riders to pause work without facing penalties or account deactivation.

He pointed to initiatives in other countries, including China, where labour union stations have been established to provide outdoor workers with water, rest spaces, charging facilities, and cooling support.

Santiago said Malaysia should consider similar heat shelters and rest points for delivery riders, and develop a National Heat Action Plan to address the increasing risks posed by extreme temperatures.

Malaysia could experience temperatures of up to 37.5 degrees Celsius this year as the El Nino phenomenon takes hold from July through the first half of next year, natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Arthur Joseph Kurup said last Thursday.