The government plans to make SOCSO contributions mandatory for gig workers by January 2026, starting with a 1.25% per-ride deduction. Jose Rizal, Chief Activist of the Malaysian eHailing Association (GEM), shares the reaction from drivers and riders to this change as well as what’s missing in the upcoming Gig Workers Bill.



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The government plans to make SOCSO contributions mandatory for gig workers by January 2026, starting with a 1.25% per-ride deduction. Jose Rizal, Chief Activist of the Malaysian eHailing Association (GEM), shares the reaction from drivers and riders to this change as well as what’s missing in the upcoming Gig Workers Bill.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Morning Brief

Reactions To Mandatory SOCSO Contributions

The latest Trump-Xi summit delivered carefully managed optics and promises of continued dialogue, but left major questions over trade, Taiwan, technology, and geopolitical tensions unresolved. As Washington and Beijing offer differing accounts of what was agreed, what does the meeting actually reveal about the current state of US-China relations and the direction of their long-term rivalry?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

The latest Trump-Xi summit delivered carefully managed optics and promises of continued dialogue, but left major questions over trade, Taiwan, technology, and geopolitical tensions unresolved. As Washington and Beijing offer differing accounts of what was agreed, what does the meeting actually reveal about the current state of US-China relations and the direction of their long-term rivalry?Image Credit: Shutterstock

What Did the Trump-Xi Summit Really Achieve?

Malaysia’s political landscape is shifting again, with PN appointing a new Opposition Leader, Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi moving to take over Parti Bersama Malaysia, and PH and BN preparing to contest Johor independently. Are these isolated tactical moves, or early signs of a broader political realignment as parties reposition themselves ahead of GE16?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s political landscape is shifting again, with PN appointing a new Opposition Leader, Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi moving to take over Parti Bersama Malaysia, and PH and BN preparing to contest Johor independently. Are these isolated tactical moves, or early signs of a broader political realignment as parties reposition themselves ahead of GE16?Image Credit: Shutterstock

Signs of Political Realignment Ahead of GE16

The Malaysian economy grew 5.4% in the first quarter of 2026, but cooling domestic spending and a global supply shock threaten to slow momentum for the remainder of the year. As rising geopolitical tensions push producer prices to historic monthly highs, can a surging export sector continue to shield the economy from a second-half slowdown? We discuss the Malaysian economic outlook with Julia Goh, Senior Economist, UOB.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Malaysian economy grew 5.4% in the first quarter of 2026, but cooling domestic spending and a global supply shock threaten to slow momentum for the remainder of the year. As rising geopolitical tensions push producer prices to historic monthly highs, can a surging export sector continue to shield the economy from a second-half slowdown? We discuss the Malaysian economic outlook with Julia Goh, Senior Economist, UOB. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Reactions To Mandatory SOCSO Contributions

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