10 Best Gigs and Hustles for Side Income in Malaysia

Are you looking to boost your income without leaving your full-time job? Maybe earn some extra moolah on the side? Well, we understand and we got you.

These 10 gigs and side hustles provide flexible, proven options for side income in Malaysia. Whether you live in KL, Kelantan, or Seremban, there’s an option that suits your schedule, skills, and resources.

This guide breaks down each idea by effort level and income potential, so you can pick what works for you fast.

Malaysia Side Hustle Comparison Table

1. Ride-Hailing / Delivery

• Best For: Drivers with flexible hours and access to a car or motorbike
• Startup Needs: Valid driver’s license, registered vehicle, smartphone, Grab/foodpanda account
• Estimated Monthly Income: RM1,000 – RM4,000+ (varies by city and hours worked)

Deliver food or transport passengers using apps like Grab, foodpanda, or inDrive. Most riders work during peak times, lunch, dinner, or more commonly weekends, to maximize bonuses and trip volume.

Notable Benefits:

• Flexible schedule, work whenever you’re free
• Instant earnings with daily or weekly payouts
• App-based support and route tracking

Thing to Watch Out For:

• High fuel costs and vehicle maintenance
• No fixed income, depends on demand and platform incentives ( and algorithm)
• Long hours needed to hit higher income ranges

Realistic Outcome: Most part-timers earn RM1.5K–2.5K/month working evenings and weekends. Full-timers with optimal hours and city routes (KL or Johor Bahru) can exceed RM4K with bonuses.

Gig Worker Protections:

• EPF remains voluntary via i-Saraan for self-employed and gig workers, with government matching incentives available. 
• PERKESO coverage for self-employed is currently available under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS). 
• On 28th Aug 2025, the Gig Workers Bill passed the Dewan Rakyat, paving the way for mandatory PERKESO contributions for platform workers once the law is fully in force. Keep an eye on official announcements for start dates and contribution rates. 

Recommendation: Use fuel loyalty apps (like Setel) and GPS tools to avoid high-traffic zones. Grab’s in-app heat maps help riders find busy areas quickly.

2. Online Tutoring

• Best For: Teachers, graduates, or fluent language speakers with subject expertise
• Startup Needs: Laptop, stable internet, Zoom or Google Meet, knowledge in core or niche subjects (Math, Science, BM, English, IGCSE)
• Estimated Monthly Income: RM800 – RM5,000+ depending on subjects, hourly rate, and session volume

Teach students online, usually SPM or IGCSE levels, via video calls. Many tutors use platforms like Skooli, TeachMe, or run solo via Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp. Evening and weekend time slots are in highest demand. 

Notable Benefits:

• High hourly rate (RM30–RM80) for in-demand subjects
• Work from home, minimal overhead
• Steady demand during school exam cycles
  

Things to Watch Out For:

• Inconsistent student flow during school holidays
• Prep time outside of paid sessions
• Requires discipline and schedule management

Realistic Outcome: New tutors may start at RM30/hour with 2–3 students. Established tutors with strong testimonials and specializations can earn RM4K–RM5K+ monthly.

Gig Worker Protections: 

• No formal protection unless you’re under an agency. 
• Consider registering with LHDN if your income exceeds the tax threshold. 
• No EPF or SOCSO, but voluntary i-Saraan applies.

Recommendation: Start with free sessions to build testimonials. Use Google Docs and Zoom whiteboard tools to make sessions interactive. Consider bilingual teaching for added reach.

3. Freelancing (Writing/Design)

• Best For: Creative professionals, students, or self-taught individuals skilled in writing, graphic design, web development, or translation
• Startup Needs: Laptop, stable internet, portfolio samples, accounts on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or local freelance groups
• Estimated Monthly Income: RM500 – RM5,000+ depending on niche, client volume, and rates.

Offer services like copywriting, SEO services, logo design, resume editing, or social media visuals to local or international clients. Most jobs are project-based and paid per task or milestone.

Notable Benefits:

• Work from anywhere with flexible scheduling
• No cap on earnings if you scale successfully
• Access to global markets, USD and SGD clients pay higher

Things to Watch Out For:

• Inconsistent workload, especially in early months
• Platform fees (10–20% per gig) and competition
• Self-discipline needed to meet deadlines

Realistic Outcome: Beginners earn RM500–1,500/month. With experience, niche positioning, and retainer clients, freelancers can hit RM3K–5K consistently.  Writers in SEO or designers in branding niches typically earn more.

Gig Worker Protections

• No platform offers formal protections, track your income for tax, and consider setting up as a sole proprietor for invoicing. 
• Use contracts to protect your payment terms.

Recommendation: Focus on one niche (e-commerce product descriptions or IG branding kits). Build a portfolio on Canva or Notion, and start with smaller jobs to earn reviews before increasing your rates.

4. E-commerce Reselling

• Best For: Hustlers who can spot trending products and negotiate with suppliers
• Startup Needs: Sourcing budget (RM200+), Shopee/Lazada store, basic delivery setup
• Estimated Monthly Income: RM500 – RM3,000+ depending on product margin and scale

Buy low, sell high. Source from local wholesalers, bundle deals, or platforms like Taobao and AliExpress. 

Use Shopee Live and Flash Sales to boost traffic. If you have great marketing skills and have a strong understanding of pricing, trends and buyer intent, then this is a great opportunity.

Notable Benefits:

• Low startup capital with dropshipping options
• High demand for local and trend-based items
• Easy integration with local delivery courier

Things to Watch Out For:

• Must manage stock, returns, and buyer expectations
• Requires effort in listings, promotions, and customer service
• Competitive pricing may cut into profit margins

Realistic Outcome: With smart sourcing and consistent listings, part-timers can earn RM1K–2K/month. Full-timers with high volume and niche categories may exceed RM3K+ consistently.

Gig Worker Protections: None built-in. Register your business with SSM for legitimacy and access to SME grants. Monitor online scams or fake suppliers.

Recommendation: Use keyword-rich titles, offer bundle promos, and promote via TikTok Live or Shopee’s in-app campaigns for higher conversion.

5. Affiliate Marketing

• Best For: Bloggers, TikTokers, YouTubers, and those with niche content or social media reach
• Startup Needs: Blog or social account, affiliate program registration (Shopee, Lazada, Involve Asia)
• Estimated Monthly Income: RM200 – RM3,000+ based on traffic and engagement

Promote products and earn commission when someone buys through your link. Common in tech, beauty, lifestyle, and finance niches. Can be combined with content creation or blogging.

Notable Benefits:

• Passive once setup is done
• No inventory or customer handling
• Multiple affiliate programs available in Malaysia

Things to Watch Out For:

• Requires consistent content and SEO/social strategy
• Commission rates vary by product and platform
• Payout thresholds may delay income

Realistic Outcome: With an engaged niche audience, RM1K–2K/month is achievable. Beginners may take 2–4 months to see meaningful returns.

Gig Worker Protections: None by default. Track commissions manually and declare under LHDN if earnings exceed the annual threshold.

Recommendation: Use tools like Bit.ly or Lnk.Bio to manage affiliate links. Disclose clearly for trust and compliance. Target evergreen content for long-term traffic.

“Malaysia’s Content Code 2022 expects clear disclosure of paid partnerships/affiliate links”

6. Content Creation (YouTube/TikTok)

• Best For: Creators, vloggers, and educators with a niche focus and storytelling skills
• Startup Needs: Smartphone/camera, editing tools, content calendar, social media platforms
• Estimated Monthly Income: RM0 – RM10,000+ (varies by platform growth, views, and sponsors)

Create content like reviews, tutorials, lifestyle vlogs, or educational explainer videos. Monetize via ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate links, or digital products.

Notable Benefits

• Builds long-term passive income potential
• Can diversify income streams over time
• Highly scalable with compounding reach

Things to Watch Out For

• Slow ramp-up, takes time to grow audience
• Algorithms affect visibility and earnings
• Requires regular posting and engagement

Realistic Outcome: Most creators earn little in the first 3–6 months. With consistency, niche creators in Malaysia can hit RM2K–5K+ monthly from multiple income sources.

Gig Worker Protections: None inherent. Always review platform monetization terms and back up your content.

Recommendation: Pick a niche early, batch your content, and repurpose across platforms. Use tools like CapCut or Canva for easy editing.

7. Print-on-Demand (POD)

• Best For: Designers, illustrators, and creatives with an eye for viral or niche aesthetics
• Startup Needs: Design software (Canva, Photoshop), POD platform (Printcious, Spring)
• Estimated Monthly Income: RM300 – RM2,000+ depending on sales volume and product variety

Design T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, or tote bags and sell via platforms that handle printing and shipping. Great for visual creators who want passive, low-risk income.

Notable Benefits:

• No inventory or upfront stock needed
• Set your own margins per product
• Market globally without logistics hassle

Things to Watch Out For:

• High competition and low margins unless marketed well
• Needs solid promotion to generate visibility and sales
• Limited design protection on open platforms

Realistic Outcome: Creators with unique designs and decent social reach can earn RM500–1.5K/month. Viral drops or niche designs can push this higher.

Gig Worker Protections: Minimal. Check platform terms for copyright and ensure secure payment processing.

Recommendation: Create themed collections, collaborate with influencers, and use hashtags to grow discovery.

8. Handicraft / Art Sales

• Best For: Hobbyists, artisans, and crafters skilled in handmade products
• Startup Needs: Raw materials, tools, Etsy shop or access to weekend markets and bazaars
• Estimated Monthly Income: RM500 – RM3,000+ depending on product pricing and sale channels

Sell handmade items like batik, beaded jewelry, woodcraft, candles, or embroidery. Malaysian-made items often appeal to tourists and expat buyers.

Notable Benefits:

• Unique products stand out in the market
• Satisfying creative outlet
• High margins on premium, artisanal work

Things to Watch Out For:

• Time-intensive production and customization
• Inconsistent sales without regular exposure
• Material cost fluctuations

Realistic Outcome: Those who market consistently and join craft fairs can average RM1K–2.5K/month. Niche success stories exceed that with brand growth.

Gig Worker Protections: None formally. Join local craft associations or marketplaces for exposure and support.

Recommendation: Document your process, sell behind-the-scenes stories, and test bundles or festive-themed offers.

9. Airbnb / Homestay Hosting

• Best For: Homeowners or tenants with a spare room or vacant property
• Startup Needs: Clean room/unit, furniture, Airbnb listing, basic amenities, photos
• Estimated Monthly Income: RM1,500 – RM6,000+ based on location and occupancy rate

Rent out rooms or entire units to tourists or business travelers. Locations like Penang, Ipoh, or Langkawi see steady bookings during peak seasons.

Notable Benefits:

• High returns vs traditional rentals
• Flexible, block dates when unavailable
• Guests leave reviews that help scale visibility

Things to Watch Out For:

• Local council regulations (DBKL, MBPJ) may apply
• Cleaning and guest turnover require consistency
• Upfront furnishing and utility costs

Realistic Outcome: Central units with good ratings earn RM3K–6K+ during high season. Rural or shared space units may earn RM1.5K–3K.

Gig Worker Protections: Some Airbnb insurance included, but read fine print. Self-register for taxes and home insurance.

Recommendation: Offer local experience guides, use automated messages, and keep cleaning checklists to maintain reviews.

Read more: Tenancy Agreement in Malaysia: Rights & Stamp Duty Explained

10. Micro Tasks & Surveys

Best For: Students or anyone with limited time and no upfront budget
Startup Needs: Smartphone, email, access to micro-task platforms (Toluna, ySense, Appen)
Estimated Monthly Income: RM100 – RM800+ depending on time spent and platform selection

Complete simple tasks like surveys, data labeling, app testing, or image sorting. Many are international platforms that pay in USD via PayPal.

Notable Benefits:

• Extremely easy to start, no skills needed
• Great for idle time like commuting
• Variety of task types keeps it flexible

Things to Watch Out For:

• Low pay per task (RM0.50 – RM5 typically)
• Repetitive and boring for some
• Platform eligibility and task availability may vary

Realistic Outcome: Casual users make RM100–300/month. Power users who sign up to multiple platforms can reach RM500–800+.

Gig Worker Protections: Minimal. Watch out for scams or fake platforms, always check reviews first.

Recommendation: Use multiple sites and cash out weekly to avoid losing rewards due to inactivity or platform bans.

Conclusion: Which Gig Fits You Best?

You don’t need to try everything, just start with one or two side gigs that match your time, skills, and resources. The real win? Taking action, testing the waters, and growing what works for you.

If you’re serious about turning that side hustle into something bigger, say a personal brand, a growing business, or even a nationwide name, why not partner with Malaysia’s leading digital PR agency in Malaysia?

At Press.com, we help gig workers, freelancers, and small business owners get the visibility they truly deserve.

We specialise in digital PR, local media features, and strategic brand positioning, so your side income doesn’t just earn, it evolves into something lasting.

We’re here to help you get seen, and stay seen. Contact us, and let’s turn your hustle into headlines.

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or employment advice. Earnings figures are illustrative, not guarantees. Always verify platform terms and current rules with the relevant authorities.