Transformasi Digital dan Pengalaman Pekerja dalam Ekonomi Gig Berasaskan Platform di Malaysia

ABSTRAK   Transformasi digital telah mempercepat perkembangan ekonomi gig melalui penggunaan platform digital yang menyusun, mengagihkan dan memantau kerja secara masa nyata. Dalam konteks Malaysia, sektor ekonomi gig berasaskan platform khususnya penghantaran makanan semakin menjadi sumber pendapatan alternatif dan utama, namun turut menimbulkan cabaran berkaitan kestabilan kerja, perlindungan sosial dan tadbir urus platform. Sehubungan itu, kajian ini bertujuan meneliti bagaimana transformasi digital dimanifestasikan dalam pengalaman kerja pekerja gig, mengenal pasti faktor yang mendorong penyertaan dan kekekalan pekerja, serta menganalisis cabaran dan risiko digital yang dialami dalam kerja berasaskan platform. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan reka bentuk eksploratori. Data dikumpulkan melalui temu bual separa berstruktur melibatkan pekerja gig dalam sektor penghantaran makanan yang aktif menggunakan aplikasi platform digital. Pemilihan responden dilakukan secara pensampelan bertujuan dan bola salji. Data dianalisis menggunakan analisis tematik bagi mengenal pasti pola makna berulang berkaitan pengalaman kerja, fleksibiliti, kawalan platform dan risiko pekerjaan. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa transformasi digital memudahkan akses kepada peluang kerja dan menawarkan fleksibiliti masa, sekali gus menjadi pemacu utama penyertaan pekerja gig. Walau bagaimanapun, fleksibiliti tersebut didapati bersifat bersyarat dan dipengaruhi oleh kawalan algoritma, sistem insentif serta penilaian prestasi digital. Selain itu, pekerja gig berdepan ketidakstabilan pendapatan, risiko keselamatan fizikal dan ketiadaan perlindungan sosial yang mencukupi. Kajian ini menegaskan keperluan tadbir urus digital dan dasar perlindungan yang lebih berpusatkan pekerja bagi memastikan kelestarian ekonomi gig di Malaysia.   Kata kunci: transformasi digital; ekonomi gig; pekerja platform; analisis tematik; Malaysia   ABSTRACT   Digital transformation has accelerated the development of the gig economy through the use of digital platforms that organize, distribute and monitor work in real time. In the Malaysian context, the platform-based gig economy sector, particularly food delivery, is increasingly becoming an alternative and primary source of income, but it also poses challenges related to job stability, social protection and platform governance. Accordingly, this study aims to examine how digital transformation is manifested in the work experience of gig workers, identify factors that drive worker participation and retention, and analyze digital challenges and risks experienced in platform-based work.This study uses a qualitative approach with an exploratory design. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews involving gig workers in the food delivery sector who are actively using digital platform applications. Respondent selection was carried out through purposive and snowball sampling. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring meaning patterns related to work experience, flexibility, platform control and job risks.The study findings show that digital transformation facilitates access to job opportunities and offers time flexibility, thus becoming a key driver of gig worker participation. However, this flexibility is found to be conditional and influenced by algorithmic controls,incentive systems and digital performance evaluations. In addition, gig workers face income instability,physical safety risks and a lack of adequate social protection. This study highlights the need for more worker-centred digital governance and protection policies to ensure the sustainability of the gig economy in Malaysia.   Keywords: digital transformation; the gig economy; platform workers; thematic analysis; Malaysia