Digital labour platforms have become increasingly significant in the digital economy, where automation, digitalisation, and platform-based work are reshaping employment. In Malaysia, these platforms are a key source of income for many young workers, offering flexible arrangements outside traditional employment. However, this shift has also led to the exclusion of social security protection. Young workers, who are often new to the labour market and lack stable employment, are especially vulnerable to risks such as illness, injury, or income insecurity. The motivation for this study arises from the urgent need to examine how Malaysia's existing frameworks leave young platform workers unprotected, despite their growing presence in the workforce. This study aims to (1) investigate the regulatory gaps in social security protection for young workers on digital labour platforms, and (2) explore potential improvements for their protection. Using a socio-legal qualitative approach, the study involved content analysis and semi-structured interviews with ten workers aged 15 to 24. The contribution of this research is its youth-centred socio-legal analysis, which provides empirical evidence and policy recommendations to strengthen protections for young workers. The study underscores the need for inclusive regulations to build a more equitable and sustainable digital economy.
Azman et al. (Sun,) studied this question.