ST Engineering Hero 2026
Malaysia's Gig Workers Tribunal orders photography firm to pay worker outstanding income with 8% interest

Malaysia's Gig Workers Tribunal orders photography firm to pay worker outstanding income with 8% interest

A photographer has won a claim against a non-platform contracting entity, with the Tribunal ordering full payment of outstanding income, 8% interest until settlement and RM500 in costs.

A photographer in Malaysia has successfully claimed unpaid income through the Gig Workers Tribunal (TPG), following a dispute with a non-platform contracting entity providing photography services.

In a media release on 2 November 2026 (Monday), the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) said the Tribunal had ruled in favour of Muhammad Faizal bin Abdul Aziz in his case against Pendekar Nomad Enterprise.

The decision followed a hearing on 27 October 2026, during which both parties were given the opportunity to present their respective evidence, documents and submissions.

The case was heard by Faizah Binti Mohd Salleh, President of the Gig Workers Tribunal, at SOCSO Tower in Putrajaya.

After examining the facts and evidence presented, the Tribunal ordered Pendekar Nomad Enterprise to pay the photographer the full outstanding balance of income owed for services rendered, together with interest of 8% until the date of full payment. It also allowed RM500 in costs to be paid to the gig worker.

Beyond photographers, the Gig Workers Act 2025 also protects workers who enter into service agreements with non-platform contracting entities across nine categories of services.

These cover occupations including actors, film production staff, singers, musicians, composers, lyricists, make-up artists, hairdressers, stylists, sign language interpreters, interpreters and translators, stenographers, journalists, part-time reporters, caregivers and videographers.

The establishment of the Gig Workers Tribunal forms part of efforts to strengthen Malaysia's gig economy, particularly by providing a mechanism for disputes between gig workers and contracting entities to be resolved fairly, systematically and effectively.

KESUMA said it remains committed to ensuring that each party appearing before the Tribunal is given a fair opportunity to present its case, in accordance with the principles of fairness and relevant legal provisions.


ALSO READ: PERKESO expands Op Kesan 2.0 to cover gig workers, hawkers, and self-employed Malaysians

Follow us on Telegram and on Instagram @humanresourcesonline for all the latest HR and manpower news from around the region!

Free newsletter

Get the daily lowdown on Asia's top Human Resources stories.

We break down the big and messy topics of the day so you're updated on the most important developments in Asia's Human Resources development – for free.

subscribe now open in new window