Gig work should not be primary career path for youth, says Umno women's chief

Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi, chief of Puteri Umno, has voiced concern over the increasing trend of young Malaysians turning to gig work as their main source of income, warning that such precarious employment should not become the default career path for the nation's youth.

The gig economy, which includes freelance and short-term contract positions, has expanded significantly across Southeast Asia in recent years. While such work offers flexibility, it typically lacks the job security, benefits, and career progression opportunities associated with traditional full-time employment.

Puteri Umno's position reflects broader concerns among policymakers and civil society groups across Malaysia about economic vulnerability among younger generations. The organization suggests that more substantive employment opportunities and skills development should be prioritized to ensure sustainable livelihoods for young workers.

The comments come amid ongoing discussions in Malaysia about labor market trends and the need for balanced approaches to employment policy that protect worker welfare while accommodating modern work arrangements.