Need extra income in Malaysia? You’re not alone! In 2025, many Malaysians—whether students, working adults, or stay-at-home parents—are looking for side hustles that don’t need a lot of money to start.
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert or have thousands of ringgit to earn RM300–RM3,000 per month.
Whether you’re searching for low capital business ideas, side income for working adults, or simple online jobs for students, this guide has something for you.
Let’s dive in!
📱 Best ONLINE Side Hustles in Malaysia 2025
Perfect for those who want to make extra income from home or while juggling a full-time job.
- Online surveys (Toluna, Rakuten Insight) – RM100–RM500/month
- Data entry (Upwork, Fiverr) – RM500–RM1,500/month
- Proofreading (Facebook groups, Fiverr) – RM300–RM1,200/month
- Simple graphic design (Canva-based gigs on Fiverr) – RM400–RM1,500/month
- Virtual assistant (email management, admin tasks) – RM800–RM2,000/month
- Social media commenting/liking (paid engagement jobs) – RM200–RM800/month
- Transcription work (TranscribeMe, GoTranscript) – RM500–RM1,800/month
- Blogging (small niche sites) – RM300–RM2,000/month (after 6+ months)
- Selling stock photos (Shutterstock, Adobe Stock) – RM100–RM800/month
- Testing websites/apps (UserTesting, Test.io) – RM30–RM100 per test
🛍️ Selling & Reselling Side Businesses
Ideal for those who want to start a side business from home in Malaysia with small capital.
- Carousell/Facebook Marketplace flipping (buy low, sell high) – RM300–RM2,000/month
- Dropshipping (Shopee, Lazada) – RM500–RM3,000/month
- Print-on-demand (T-shirts, mugs via Printful) – RM400–RM2,000/month
- Homemade crafts (Etsy, Instagram) – RM300–RM1,500/month
- Prepaid card/Top-up reselling – RM200–RM1,000/month
- Secondhand book selling – RM200–RM800/month
- Phone accessory reselling – RM500–RM2,000/month
- Thrift store flipping – RM300–RM1,500/month
- Local snack reselling – RM400–RM1,200/month
- Perfume/beauty product reselling – RM500–RM2,500/month
🍔 Food & Beverage Side Hustles (Low Capital, High Demand!)
Food is evergreen! Great for home-based side businesses in Malaysia.
- Home-based baking (cookies, cakes) – RM500–RM2,000/month
- Homemade frozen meals – RM600–RM2,500/month
- Bubble tea/drink kits – RM400–RM1,800/month
- Catering small events – RM800–RM3,000/month
- Selling kuih/kek lapis – RM300–RM1,500/month
- Meal prep delivery – RM800–RM2,500/month
- Coffee/tea sachet packs – RM300–RM1,200/month
- Homemade jam/sambal – RM400–RM1,500/month
- Cooking classes (online) – RM500–RM2,000/month
- Food delivery rider (part-time) – RM800–RM2,000/month
📚 Teaching & Service-Based Side Hustles
Use your skills to help others and earn side income.
- Private tutoring (school subjects) – RM800–RM2,500/month
- Music lessons (piano/guitar) – RM1,000–RM3,000/month
- Language teaching (English/Mandarin) – RM800–RM2,500/month
- Freelance CV/resume writing – RM500–RM1,500/month
- Event photography (weekends) – RM800–RM3,000/month
- Car wash/mobile detailing – RM1,000–RM3,500/month
- House cleaning services – RM1,200–RM3,000/month
- Pet grooming (home-based) – RM1,000–RM3,000/month
- Freelance makeup artist – RM800–RM2,500/month
- Babysitting/daycare – RM800–RM2,000/month
🚗 Asset-Based Side Income Ideas
Make money with what you already own.
- Car rental (TREVO, SOCAR) – RM500–RM2,000/month
- Motorbike rental (for delivery riders) – RM300–RM1,500/month
- Room/homestay rental (Airbnb) – RM800–RM3,000/month
- Parking space rental – RM200–RM800/month
- Camera/lens rental – RM300–RM1,500/month
💡 Odd Jobs & Unique Side Hustles
Unusual? Maybe. Profitable? Definitely.
- IKEA furniture assembly – RM500–RM1,500/month
- Moving helper – RM800–RM2,000/month
- Plant watering service – RM300–RM1,000/month
- Stand-in line (for launches/events) – RM50–RM200 per job
- Freelance MC/host – RM500–RM2,000 per event
💰 How to Choose the Best Side Hustle for You
Here’s how to pick a side hustle that actually works:
- ✔ Time available – Pick jobs that fit your schedule
- ✔ Skills you already have – No need to learn from scratch
- ✔ Startup budget – Some need RM0, others need RM500+
- ✔ Interest level – You’ll stick longer if you enjoy it
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best side hustle in Malaysia for students?
A: Try online surveys, tutoring, or reselling used items on Carousell. They require minimal capital and flexible time.
Q: How can I make extra income from home in Malaysia?
A: You can try proofreading, Canva design jobs, home-based baking, or selling frozen food on social media.
Q: Are there any side hustles that need zero capital?
A: Yes! Online surveys, VA work, transcription, and simple writing gigs can be started with just your laptop or phone.
Q: Do I need SSM or a license to start a side business?
A: For small, casual sales, not always. But if you scale up (especially food), it’s recommended to register your business and get the proper certs.
Q: How much can I realistically earn per month with a side hustle in Malaysia?
A: Anywhere from RM300 to RM3,000/month, depending on time, effort, and consistency.
Final Thoughts
With 50+ side income ideas in Malaysia for 2025, there’s definitely something that fits your schedule, skills, and budget.
Whether you’re starting a side business from home, doing freelance work online, or trying something totally unique—what matters most is taking that first step.
Start small. Try 1–2 ideas. Learn, improve, and scale up from there.
Which Idea Will You Try?
Share this blog with your friends and ask them what you and they are planning to start! Need help figuring out the best option for your lifestyle? Ask around — your circle will always happy to help!
