Gig Workers Tribunal hears first case

Yesterday, the Gig Workers Tribunal held its first case at the Kuching labour office in Sarawak, inaugurating the dispute-resolution system established by the Gig Workers Act 2025. The case centered around a disagreement between an e-hailing worker and Grabcar Sdn Bhd, the platform provider. The ministry explained that the dispute encompassed issues concerning the utilization and functionality of the GrabCar platform, including its Saver Trips and Advance Booking features, as well as cashback incentives.

The tribunal's deputy president, Suzarika Sahak, presided over the hearing at the Kuching labour office, with the gig worker representing himself and Grabcar being represented by an employee. The ministry also announced that another date would be designated for additional testimony and witness examination, alongside other disputes expected to be heard by the tribunal, such as account deactivation or suspension, income loss, account reactivation, and other platform-related concerns.

Additionally, the tribunal has received filings from non-platform gig workers, including claims regarding payment for services already rendered. According to the ministry, the tribunal serves as a specialized platform for the prompt and equitable resolution of gig worker disputes, in accordance with its mandate under the Act.