This year’s Budget 2026 draws on the pillars of Ekonomi MADANI, placing crucial emphasis on empowering the rakyat as a prerequisite to economic growth and resilience. Few sectors illustrate this more clearly than the gig economy, which today provides opportunities to more than 1.12 million Malaysians, and sustains thousands of micro and small businesses nationwide.
For foodpanda, the impact is evident every day, opening up opportunities for Malaysians to earn on their own terms and strengthen their financial resilience delivery, restaurant partners reaching more consumers, and consumers enjoying greater choice. The sector is not just growing, it is multiplying opportunities across society.
A milestone and the path ahead
The upcoming Gig Workers’ Bill marks a historic milestone — extending statutory protections to gig workers nationwide. This landmark move builds on sustained government efforts over the years to strengthen livelihoods.
But the real test lies in implementation. Budget 2026 is the opportunity to ensure that allocations, frameworks, and institutional support are in place so that this landmark legislation translates into real and lasting impact for creating a resilient gig community.
Championing resilience through upskilling and Private Public Partnerships
Resilience also includes equipping people with the right skills. Continued SOCSO protection and funding initiatives such as i-TEKAD — where foodpanda’s Rider Entrepreneur Programme has shown real impact — remain vital. At the same time, public-private partnerships to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) can help gig workers keep pace with evolving market demands.
Beyond technical skills, there is also value in supporting areas such as financial literacy and entrepreneurship training for gig workers. foodpanda has piloted programmes in these areas successfully and we are keen to expand them alongside government-subsidised programmes and tailored modules, ensuring both delivery partners and vendors will be empowered to thrive in the digital economy.
Additionally, delivery partners also need practical support systems that safeguard their day-to-day resilience. Micro-financing schemes for essentials such as vehicle repairs and an increase in innovative insurance packages tailored for this community can help ease immediate burdens and strengthen their ability to continue earning sustainably.
Driving transformation through digitalisation and sustainability
Equally important is strengthening the micro and small businesses that anchor the food delivery ecosystem. Digitalisation enables vendors to reach more consumers, improve operations, and grow revenues. At foodpanda, we have seen how digitalised order management and promotional tools have already helped boost visibility for hawkers, restaurants, and home-based enterprises.
We welcome government support in Budget 2026 through continuation of micro-grants, tax deductions for digital adoption, and simplified onboarding for traditional businesses.These measures will accelerate vendor transformation in turn creating ripple effects across the broader economy.
As Malaysia advances its digital and green economy agenda under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the gig sector must not be left behind. Enhancements to p-hailing Rahmah packages, expansion of safety programmes such as pandasafe, and incentives for EV motorcycle adoption will go a long way in building a safer,greener gig community.
Looking ahead
As we look toward Budget 2026, we hope to see continued government support through business-friendly policies that encourage innovation and inclusive growth. At foodpanda Malaysia, we remain committed as a long-term partner to the government and industry stakeholders in shaping a gig economy that empowers workers, strengthens communities, and contributes meaningfully to Malaysia’s journey toward a digitally enabled, high-value economy.
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By Tan Ming Luk, Managing Director of foodpanda Malaysia
