Energy Crisis Drives Up Costs, Malaysian 'Gig Economy' Workers Strive for Livelihoods
Amidst rising living costs due to the energy crisis, Malaysia's 'gig economy' has become a crucial pillar supporting household incomes. The government is enhancing protection and training for gig workers, indicating a flexible labor market and evolving socio-economic structure.
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- 📰 Published: May 7, 2026 at 22:06
- 🔍 Collected: May 7, 2026 at 22:31 (25 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 7, 2026 at 23:54 (1h 22m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Huang Tzu-chiang, Kuala Lumpur, 7th) Around 7 AM, the aroma of nasi lemak mixed with sambal wafts from the arcade outside the Bukit Nanas monorail station in Kuala Lumpur. Siti, a Malay woman in her 60s, is a typical 'gig economy' worker. She skillfully wraps hot nasi lemak in banana leaves, as many office workers queue up to buy breakfast with a 'mother's taste.'
The conflict in the Middle East has pushed up global energy prices, and Malaysia is expected to face a concentrated period of cost pressure from June to July. Faced with continuously rising living costs, more and more people are joining the 'gig economy,' which has become an important source of family income.
● High Energy Cost Effects Emerge, Corporate Pressure Gradually Rises
The Malaysian government has repeatedly stated recently that fuel supply can be maintained until June, but there are concerns that as businesses gradually deplete low-cost inventory, high energy prices will begin to reflect in consumer spending and corporate operations.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government reduced fuel subsidies in April this year, raising the fuel subsidy cap for Grab drivers and delivery riders, who are considered a core group of the 'gig economy,' to 800 liters to alleviate livelihood pressures.
However, tourism-related operators point out that since the outbreak of tensions in the Middle East, most businesses still rely on existing inventory prices to support operations, but it is expected that cost pressures in logistics, catering, and retail will gradually emerge from mid-May, potentially expanding further in June.
● Gig Economy Becomes a Pillar of Urban Life
In addition to street breakfast vendors, delivery riders can be seen weaving through traffic everywhere in Kuala Lumpur.
Azman, a Malay driver who works part-time for Grab delivery, told the Central News Agency that he works at a trading company during the day and runs delivery services after work and on weekends. "Everything is getting more expensive now; rent, food, and gasoline have all become pricier. It's hard to save money with just one salary."
He admitted that although the government provides some subsidies, fluctuating oil prices still directly affect income. "Before, I could earn some money by working one day, but now much of it is eaten up by fuel costs."
Siti, who sells traditional Malay breakfast, said that as energy prices rise, so do living costs. Affordable nasi lemak will be the choice for many local Chinese or foreign migrant workers.
After the COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus disease) pandemic, the 'gig economy' gradually became part of urban life in Malaysia. From delivery riders, Grab drivers, night market vendors, to weekend market stallholders and freelancers, more and more people are increasing their income through flexible work models.
The 'gig economy' refers to an economic model where self-employed workers undertake short-term, flexible jobs. According to Malaysian media reports, there are over 3.22 million self-employed individuals in Malaysia, covering vendors, food stall operators, small agricultural holders, and various gig workers, reflecting the labor market's gradual transformation towards more flexible and diversified work models. The 'gig economy' is gradually becoming an important force supporting domestic consumption.
● Government Expands Protection and Training
Faced with the rapid expansion of the gig economy, the Malaysian government has continuously promoted relevant protection systems in recent years.
In August 2025, the Malaysian Parliament passed the 'Gig Workers Act 2025' in its third reading. The content covers the identification of gig worker status, income and salary standards, dispute resolution mechanisms, and social security, bringing more stable incomes and fairer employment opportunities to over 1.2 million gig economy workers.
On May 1st this year, Prime Minister Anwar announced that the government would launch the 'Progressive Acceleration of Competency and Employment' (PACE) program through the Ministry of Human Resources, with a total allocation of over 710 million ringgit (approximately NT$5.68 billion) to help workers maintain competitiveness.
Among these, the government also allocated 20 million ringgit to the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) to assist in training 'gig economy' workers, including Grab drivers and delivery riders, to enhance their skills and strengthen social security.
In addition, the Anwar government recently announced several measures to alleviate living pressures, including early disbursement of paddy farmer subsidies and reduced rents for government commercial units, hoping to mitigate the impact of rising living costs on hawkers, small businesses, and grassroots families.
Today, with the effects of high energy costs gradually emerging, from street vendors, delivery riders to Grab drivers, the 'gig economy' is gradually becoming a crucial pillar for the urban grassroots in Malaysia. Amid global energy price fluctuations, rising living costs, and labor market transformation, these flexible workers not only support household incomes but also show that Malaysia's social and economic structure is undergoing changes. (Editor: Tang Pei-chun) 1150507
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(Central News Agency reporter Huang Tzu-chiang, Kuala Lumpur, 7th) Around 7 AM, the aroma of nasi lemak mixed with sambal wafts from the arcade outside the Bukit Nanas monorail station in Kuala Lumpur. Siti, a Malay woman in her 60s, is a typical 'gig economy' worker. She skillfully wraps hot nasi lemak in banana leaves, as many office workers queue up to buy breakfast with a 'mother's taste.'
The conflict in the Middle East has pushed up global energy prices, and Malaysia is expected to face a concentrated period of cost pressure from June to July. Faced with continuously rising living costs, more and more people are joining the 'gig economy,' which has become an important source of family income.
● High Energy Cost Effects Emerge, Corporate Pressure Gradually Rises
The Malaysian government has repeatedly stated recently that fuel supply can be maintained until June, but there are concerns that as businesses gradually deplete low-cost inventory, high energy prices will begin to reflect in consumer spending and corporate operations.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government reduced fuel subsidies in April this year, raising the fuel subsidy cap for Grab drivers and delivery riders, who are considered a core group of the 'gig economy,' to 800 liters to alleviate livelihood pressures.
However, tourism-related operators point out that since the outbreak of tensions in the Middle East, most businesses still rely on existing inventory prices to support operations, but it is expected that cost pressures in logistics, catering, and retail will gradually emerge from mid-May, potentially expanding further in June.
● Gig Economy Becomes a Pillar of Urban Life
In addition to street breakfast vendors, delivery riders can be seen weaving through traffic everywhere in Kuala Lumpur.
Azman, a Malay driver who works part-time for Grab delivery, told the Central News Agency that he works at a trading company during the day and runs delivery services after work and on weekends. "Everything is getting more expensive now; rent, food, and gasoline have all become pricier. It's hard to save money with just one salary."
He admitted that although the government provides some subsidies, fluctuating oil prices still directly affect income. "Before, I could earn some money by working one day, but now much of it is eaten up by fuel costs."
Siti, who sells traditional Malay breakfast, said that as energy prices rise, so do living costs. Affordable nasi lemak will be the choice for many local Chinese or foreign migrant workers.
After the COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus disease) pandemic, the 'gig economy' gradually became part of urban life in Malaysia. From delivery riders, Grab drivers, night market vendors, to weekend market stallholders and freelancers, more and more people are increasing their income through flexible work models.
The 'gig economy' refers to an economic model where self-employed workers undertake short-term, flexible jobs. According to Malaysian media reports, there are over 3.22 million self-employed individuals in Malaysia, covering vendors, food stall operators, small agricultural holders, and various gig workers, reflecting the labor market's gradual transformation towards more flexible and diversified work models. The 'gig economy' is gradually becoming an important force supporting domestic consumption.
● Government Expands Protection and Training
Faced with the rapid expansion of the gig economy, the Malaysian government has continuously promoted relevant protection systems in recent years.
In August 2025, the Malaysian Parliament passed the 'Gig Workers Act 2025' in its third reading. The content covers the identification of gig worker status, income and salary standards, dispute resolution mechanisms, and social security, bringing more stable incomes and fairer employment opportunities to over 1.2 million gig economy workers.
On May 1st this year, Prime Minister Anwar announced that the government would launch the 'Progressive Acceleration of Competency and Employment' (PACE) program through the Ministry of Human Resources, with a total allocation of over 710 million ringgit (approximately NT$5.68 billion) to help workers maintain competitiveness.
Among these, the government also allocated 20 million ringgit to the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) to assist in training 'gig economy' workers, including Grab drivers and delivery riders, to enhance their skills and strengthen social security.
In addition, the Anwar government recently announced several measures to alleviate living pressures, including early disbursement of paddy farmer subsidies and reduced rents for government commercial units, hoping to mitigate the impact of rising living costs on hawkers, small businesses, and grassroots families.
Today, with the effects of high energy costs gradually emerging, from street vendors, delivery riders to Grab drivers, the 'gig economy' is gradually becoming a crucial pillar for the urban grassroots in Malaysia. Amid global energy price fluctuations, rising living costs, and labor market transformation, these flexible workers not only support household incomes but also show that Malaysia's social and economic structure is undergoing changes. (Editor: Tang Pei-chun) 1150507
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.