Govt urges media firms to contribute to freelancers' social protection

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has urged media companies to contribute to social security schemes for freelance media workers, such as part-time journalists and photographers, to enhance their protection.

He said as of last year, 700 freelance journalists and 500 photographers had enrolled in social protection schemes.

“We encourage media companies to cover 30 percent of the contribution cost since the government already subsidises 70 percent.

“The upcoming Gig Workers Bill will also include media workers, ensuring institutionalised protection for them,” he said at a breaking fast event with the media in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Also present were Human Resource Development Corporation Bhd (HRD Corp) chief executive officer Shahul Hamid Shaik Dawood and Bernama chairperson Wong Chun Wai.

The government previously postponed the tabling of the Gig Workers Bill to allow for more stakeholder engagements.

No additional cost to firm

Sim said companies are concerned that the bill may lead to higher costs, including expenses related to contribution payment applications.

“They misunderstand… Socso will cover the platform application costs, so companies won’t bear any additional expenses,” he added.

Gig service providers had earlier expressed concerns that certain aspects of the bill might hinder innovation, reduce competition and increase service costs for consumers.

Separately, Sim said this year’s Workers’ Day Awards will introduce a new category for individual media practitioners, complementing the existing category for media companies.

- Bernama

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