Parliament will soon review a new bill for gig workers, making Malaysia one of the first countries in the world to legislate protections for this sector. The initiative is expected to support some 1.16 million gig workers nationwide. We discuss what the bill may look like with Donovan Cheah, a lawyer who specialises in employment law.

Other stories we covered today:

· RM100 book vouchers for students: 1.2 million students in Malaysia will receive RM100 book vouchers, redeemable only on the MySiswaplace platform until December 31. This initiative aims to combat declining reading habits. We hear from Samlaleo Singh, co-founder of book and music bar Third Space Subang, on what he thinks about this initiative and how a culture of reading can be inculcated.

· Penang Delays Seagrass Sanctuary: The establishment of Penang's Middle Bank Seagrass Sanctuary is being placed on hold, pending decisions on rehabilitating the nearby Jelutong landfill. Although the project has seen delays, the Chief Minister reassured that the sanctuary won’t be affected by the Light Rail Transit project. We speak to Dr Jillian Ooi, a marine ecologist and a senior lecturer at the University of Malaya to find out her thoughts on this delay.

· Japan Prime Minister’s snap election: Shigeru Ishiba became Japan's PM following Fumio Kishida's resignation amid scandals and a cost-of-living crisis. While the LDP remains the largest party, it may govern as a minority, with potential coalition talks hindered by Japan's ideologically diverse opposition. We speak to Michael Cucek, an Assistant Professor of Asian Studies at Temple University Japan Campus.

· Popek Popek Parlimen: In Parliament, Prime Minsiter Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim clarified the definition of the T5, in relation to RON95 fuel subsidies, following confusion surrounding the category. The Prime Minister also addressed the government's approach to the Duta Enclave issue. Lastly, Gombak MP Datuk Amirudin Shari wanted to know about measures being taken to prevent the nation from being caught in the crossfire of international trade wars.

Image Credit: Abdul Razak Latif, Shutterstock

Produced by: Alia Zefri, Alena Nadia, Juliet Jacobs, Sudais Ferhard

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan

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Categories:  politics,  government,  international,  Law/Activism,  controversies

Tags:  Malaysia gig economy,  Donovan Cheah,  book vouchers Malaysia,  Samlaleo Singh,  Penang Seagrass Sanctuary,  Jelutong landfill,  Dr Jillian Ooi,  Japan Prime Minister snap election,  coalition talks Japan,  Michael Cucek,  RON95 fuel subsidies,  Duta Enclave issue,  international trade wars,  gig workers,  employment law,  reading culture,  marine ecology,  Shigeru Ishiba,  fumio kishida,  ldp,