How Belanjawan 2026 Empowers Gig Workers & The Self-Employed
SAYS, 10 October 2025
Recognising the pivotal role of the gig economy and self-employed individuals, Belanjawan 2026 introduces several key initiatives to strengthen their financial security and social protection
The government acknowledges that the traditional 9-to-5 job is no longer the only path to success.
This year's budget, therefore, focuses on tailored support for gig workers and the self-employed, giving them access to safety nets and financial tools once reserved for conventional employees.
A major highlight is the introduction of the i-Saraan Plus scheme, a targeted initiative to help gig workers build their retirement savings.
The budget aims to bolster retirement funds with i-Saraan Plus
Higher government contribution: E-hailing, p-hailing, and other gig workers will now receive a government matching contribution of up to RM600 a year, capped at RM6,000 over a lifetime, for their EPF savings.
Continued support for others: The existing i-Saraan scheme remains available for other informal and self-employed workers, offering up to RM500 a year, or RM5,000 over a lifetime, in matching contributions.
It also creates a social security safety net with PERKESO
The government is also strengthening protection for gig workers against workplace-related risks.
Mandatory protection: Under the newly enacted Gig Workers Act 2025, PERKESO contributions are now mandatory for all gig workers.
Financial assistance for contributions: To ease the financial impact, the government will cover 70% of the contribution under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (PERKESO) for first-time registrants in their first year, and 50% in the second year.
AI-generated image for illustration purposes only.
Meanwhile, the budget also tackles one of the biggest hurdles for those without fixed incomes: getting approvals for a home loan
Doubled housing guarantee: The Syarikat Jaminan Kredit Perumahan (SJKP) guarantee fund will be doubled to RM20 billion, up from RM10 billion previously.
The SJKP housing guarantee scheme is a critical tool that specifically helps those without fixed pay slips to secure home loans.
Targeted assistance: This expansion is aimed at helping more gig workers and self-employed individuals secure financing for their first home, benefiting an estimated 80,000 new homebuyers.
(Web Source: https://says.com/my/news/how-belanjawan-2026-empowers-gig-workers-the-self-employed