KUALA LUMPUR, 25 March 2025 – The Malaysian government has called on media companies and digital content platforms to play a more active role in supporting social protection schemes for freelance media workers, including journalists, photographers, videographers, and content creators.
The call comes amid rising concerns over the precarious working conditions and lack of benefits available to gig-based professionals in the rapidly evolving media and creative industry.
Addressing the Gaps in the Gig Economy
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, speaking at a media town hall in Putrajaya, emphasized that while freelancers contribute significantly to the nation’s media landscape, many continue to operate without stable income, health coverage, or retirement benefits.
“It is time we address the imbalance. Media companies have a moral and economic obligation to support the people who help build their platforms and shape public discourse,” said Teo.
She noted that a large number of freelance journalists and digital content providers often work without contracts, are paid per assignment, and are not covered under existing Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) or Employees Provident Fund (EPF) structures.
Proposed Initiatives and Industry Collaboration
The Ministry of Communications and Digital is proposing:
- Voluntary contribution matching between freelancers and media platforms for EPF and SOCSO
- Inclusion of freelance media workers in government welfare schemes and insurance pools
- Creation of a National Media Freelancer Registry to better track and protect workers
- Incentives for companies that offer fair pay, safety training, and professional development opportunities
The proposed measures are part of a broader government commitment to support Malaysia’s gig economy workforce, which now includes over 4 million active freelancers across multiple industries.
Stakeholder Reactions and Industry Response
Media unions and advocacy groups have welcomed the proposal, calling it long overdue. National Union of Journalists (NUJ) President Mohd Shukri Mahadi said the industry must evolve to match the modern employment reality.
“Freelancers carry the same risks as full-time staff, often with more pressure and fewer protections. This initiative is a crucial first step,” he said.
Meanwhile, several digital newsrooms and broadcasters expressed cautious support, with some requesting more clarity on how financial incentives and operational processes would be structured.
Redefining Employment in Media
With the rise of independent journalism, podcasting, livestreaming, and social media content creation, the boundaries of media employment have become increasingly blurred. Yet, regulation has not kept pace with technological change.
The government emphasized that protections must extend to new forms of media labor, including TikTok creators, YouTube freelancers, and freelance editors whose work directly supports monetized platforms.
“It’s about fairness, security, and dignity of labor — regardless of whether someone works in a newsroom or from their home studio,” said Teo.
Towards an Equitable Media Ecosystem
The government’s push for shared responsibility in supporting freelancer welfare reflects a maturing recognition of Malaysia’s creative and digital workforce. As conversations evolve, the hope is to build a more inclusive, secure, and sustainable media industry.
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