The Melaka government is exploring plans to set up dedicated rest hubs known as Rider Pitstop in every district to better support the welfare of gig economy workers in the state.
Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh said the initiative aims to provide a more comfortable and secure environment for riders, particularly those working in the delivery and p-hailing sectors, while they wait for customers or orders.
He noted that the number of gig workers in Melaka has surpassed 5,000, highlighting the importance of providing facilities that cater to their needs.
“The state government intends to develop dedicated Rider Pitstop centres at several strategic locations across Melaka so that riders will have a proper place to rest safely and comfortably during their working hours,” he said.
Ab Rauf said this when addressing participants at the Moreh Bersama Rider dan Penggiat Gig programme held at Seri Bendahara on Wednesday evening.
Apart from the rest hubs, the state government is also planning to designate four additional pick-up points for p-hailing services to improve accessibility for both drivers and passengers. The proposed sites include Melaka Sentral, Pantai Klebang, Hospital Melaka and AEON Bandaraya Melaka.
He added that the state administration welcomes feedback, complaints and requests from gig workers in Melaka, noting that such matters will be coordinated by the state government before being channelled to the Federal Government when necessary.
As part of the programme, the Melaka government also distributed RM50,000 in Ramadan assistance to p-hailing drivers and other gig workers as recognition of their role in supporting the state’s economic activities.
Earlier in the day, Ab Rauf presented RM30,000 in financial aid through the Tabung Amanah Pendidikan Negeri Melaka (TAPEM) to 12 student associations representing Melaka-born undergraduates from 12 institutions of higher learning.
The contribution, presented during the Majlis Berbuka Puasa Bersama Mahasiswa Anak Melaka, is intended to help the associations organise programmes that encourage student development and benefit their members throughout the academic year.
-HR HUB
