Looking for a part-time job or ways to earn from home?
With rising costs, many Malaysians juggle multiple side hustles. Whether you’re a student, full-time employee, or exploring online gigs, this expert-backed guide shares proven ways to boost your income.
Even earning an extra RM1,000 monthly can make a big difference! Plus, with Malaysia’s booming digital market, passive income and low-investment businesses—like those you can start with RM5,000—are more accessible than ever.
Here are our top 12 side hustle ideas:
#1. Be a ride-hailing driver or delivery rider.
The demand for ride-hailing services like Grab and MyCar is on the rise as people seek alternative transportation options. Driving for these services—or even delivering food via platforms such as FoodPanda, GrabFood, and Lalamove—is a popular way to earn extra cash.
For those needing quick earnings, these roles are ideal if you’re wondering how to get fast money; payments are often processed weekly or even daily, depending on the platform, such as:
| Platform | Role | Average Earnings |
| Grab | Delivery Rider | Approximately RM10.00 per hour. |
| Foodpanda | Delivery Rider | Between RM2,000 to RM4,000 per month, depending on hours worked and deliveries completed. |
| Lalamove | Delivery Rider/Driver | Varies by vehicle type: Motosikal: RM1,500 – RM3,000/month; Kereta: RM2,500 – RM5,000/month; Van: RM3,000 – RM6,000/month; Trak: RM5,000 – RM8,000/month. |
👉 Interested in becoming a Ninja Van driver or rider for part-time? Read HERE!
#2. Start drop shipping.
If you’ve ever thought, “what business can I start with RM5000,” drop shipping might be the perfect low-investment venture. As a drop shipper, you promote products without holding inventory, making it a convenient way to start your own business on a budget.
📌 Check out this video, explaining how to do dropshipping:
This is also a prime example of a side hustle online that can eventually evolve into a source of passive income if you scale your operations wisely.
#3. Sell items online.
Declutter your home and turn unused items into cash. Whether you choose to sell pre-loved clothes or new items, platforms like Carousel, Mudah, Shopee, and Lazada provide a robust marketplace to reach potential buyers.
Expert tip: Combine your love for selling with digital marketing strategies to learn how to make more money by optimizing your online presence.
And, digital marketing tactics differ for preloved and new items. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Tactic | Preloved Items | New Items |
| Content Strategy | Storytelling about the item’s history & uniqueness | Highlight product features, benefits & USPs |
| Social Proof | Use customer testimonials & before-after photos | Show reviews, influencer endorsements |
| Platform Focus | Facebook Marketplace, Carousell, Mudah.my | Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop |
| Urgency & Scarcity | “One-of-a-kind, grab before it’s gone!” messaging | Limited-time promos, flash sales |
#4. Becoming a tutor.
Do you enjoy teaching? For students and others looking for flexible opportunities, learning how to earn money as a student through tutoring can be both fulfilling and profitable. With the rise of online education, platforms like Tutor.com, TutorMe, and TakeLesson offer accessible ways to share your expertise.
This role not only builds your teaching credentials but also demonstrates a commitment to community development—a key aspect of trustworthy expertise.
#5. Become a part-time Personal Shopper!
Transform your passion for shopping into profit by becoming a personal shopper. Help clients find exclusive products from around the world, earning a commission or flat fee per purchase.
Here are some common commission practices for helping clients find exclusive products:
- Luxury Goods (Designer Bags, Watches, Jewelry)
- Commission: 5% – 15% per item
- Hyped & Limited-Edition Items (Sneakers, Collectibles, Gadgets)
- Commission: RM100 – RM500 flat fee OR 10% of item price
- Imported Specialty Items (Food, Beauty, Supplements)
- Commission: RM10 – RM50 per order OR bulk fee for large shipments
- Electronics & Tech (Gaming Consoles, Laptops, Smartphones)
- Commission: RM50 – RM300 per item OR 5% of price
- Luxury Travel & Event Tickets (Concerts, VIP Access, Sports Events)
- Commission: RM50 – RM1000 per ticket/package
This side hustle can quickly turn into a lucrative venture if you leverage social media to market your services, offering a blend of fast money and long-term client relationships.
#6. Freelancing
Malaysia’s freelance community is booming, with millions offering skills from writing and graphic design to programming and translation. Platforms like Freelancer.com, Upwork, and Fiverr allow you to bid on projects that match your expertise.
Freelancing is a flexible way to learn how to make more money while building a portfolio that demonstrates your professional authority and reliability.
#7. Become an Airbnb Superhost (Without Owning Property)!
Malaysia’s tourism market is thriving. Many property owners seek assistance with managing short-term rentals, making Airbnb co-hosting a viable side hustle.
This role can generate passive income in Malaysia, especially if you partner with multiple property owners to maximize your earnings.
How it works:
- You partner with an Airbnb owner.
- You choose your involvement level – from listing creation to guest management.
- You get paid 10-20% of the booking earnings, potentially more for handling more tasks or having experience.
- You can even partner with multiple owners to maximize your income.
Ready to learn more? Find details on specific co-hosting tasks and Airbnb’s payout policies.
#8. Sell your homemade cooked food or baked goods.
If you have culinary skills, consider monetizing your passion by selling homemade meals or baked goods. Malaysians love their local flavors, and your kitchen could be the start of a thriving business.
Remember: High-quality food combined with excellent service can quickly become a trusted brand, helping you earn more money and build lasting customer relationships.
🐱👤 Ninja tip: Hey, did you know that Ninja Van now can deliver food, cooking pastes, bake goods, and even frozen foods like Karipap frozen with no MOQ? Read more about our Cold Deliveries HERE!
#9. Become a YouTuber.
“Hi guys, welcome back to my channel!“
YouTube offers a platform where creativity meets income potential. By joining the YouTube Partner Program and focusing on a niche, you can generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
You must first join the YouTube Partner Program and meet certain conditions:
- Have a minimum of 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 eligible public watch hours in the previous 12 months
- Sign your name and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Create a Google AdSense account
- Obtain evaluation and approval from Youtube
The key is to produce high-quality content that resonates with viewers, a strategy that not only helps you understand how to make more money but also builds a loyal following over time.
#10. Make money with Affiliate Marketing!
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting products you love. By partnering with brands like Lazada, Zalora, and local businesses, you can monetize your online presence effectively.
This method of side hustle online is particularly powerful when combined with blogging or social media, paving the way for steady passive income in Malaysia.
Where to find affiliate programs?
Check out these popular Malaysian affiliate programs:
| Affiliate Program | Category | Commission Rate | Sign-up Method |
| Zalora | Fashion | Up to 6% (new customers), 4% (returning) | Involve Asia, Optimise Media, Accesstrade |
| Lazada | Multi-Category | Up to 80% on some products | Direct sign-up on Lazada website |
| Sephora | Beauty | Up to 5.6% | Various affiliate networks |
| Watsons | Health & Beauty | Around 2.1% | Involve Asia, other networks |
| Shopee | Multi-Category | Up to 10% | Direct sign-up on Shopee website |
Remember: These are just a few examples! Explore other brands and platforms to find the perfect fit for your audience.
#11. Be a Virtual Assistant (VA)!
Virtual assistants are in high demand as online businesses grow. Tasks like managing emails, scheduling, and customer service are essential services that busy entrepreneurs seek.
This role is ideal if you’re looking for a flexible way to get fast money, as many VA jobs offer immediate, project-based payments.
#12. Freelance Voice Acting!
If you have a captivating voice, consider freelance voice acting. Opportunities range from narrating audiobooks to voicing commercials, and you only need basic recording equipment to get started.
Voice acting not only diversifies your income streams but also builds a creative portfolio that highlights your unique skill set—an important element of trusted expertise.
#13. Sell Homemade Food (for Catering, Desserts Table, or Potluck)
Selling homemade food can be a rewarding side hustle if you’re a good cook. Start by selling to your local community or listing on delivery apps.
You can also consider catering for events, like parties, weddings, or potlucks can be an excellent side income. Here are a few ideas:
- Catering Platters: Finger foods like sandwiches, sushi rolls, or spring rolls.
- Dessert Tables: Cupcakes, macarons, mini tarts, or a customized cake.
- Potluck Favorites: Dishes like pasta salad, creamy dips, or stuffed mushrooms.
Estimated Income: RM300–RM5,000/month depending on demand.
#14. Rent Out a Room or Property
If you have a spare room or an empty property, renting it out could be an easy way to earn extra income. List your space on platforms like Airbnb for short-term rentals or consider longer-term tenants for more stability. Keep the space well-maintained to attract repeat customers.
#15. Offer Resume/CV Writing Services
Many people struggle with writing effective resumes and CVs. If you have strong writing skills and a knowledge of what recruiters look for, you can offer personalized resume-writing services.
Market yourself on job boards, LinkedIn, and freelancer sites. Offering additional services like cover letter writing can also boost your income.
What you need: A word processor (MS Word, Google Docs), design tools like Canva, and a clear understanding of industry-standard resume formats.
#16. Livestream Host or Seller
Livestreaming is one of the best low-effort side income ideas because it doesn’t require a huge investment to get started—just a smartphone and a stable internet connection. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys engaging with people but doesn’t want to spend hours producing content.
Platforms like TikTok or Shopee Live allow you to interact in real-time, sell products, or even showcase hobbies.
Commission System in TikTok and Shopee Live
In livestreaming, you can earn commissions by promoting products or services during your streams. For example, many platforms offer affiliate programs where you earn a percentage of sales made through your referral links or codes.
This allows you to make money not just from viewers’ donations or gifts, but also from any sales generated while engaging your audience. The more popular your livestreams, the more potential for earning commission from both direct sales and affiliate links.
#17. House Cleaning or Organizer Service
Many people need help keeping their homes organized or cleaned. Offering these services could be a simple yet effective side hustle. You can start small by offering services to friends and family, then expand through word of mouth or local advertising.
Estimated Income: RM60–RM300 per session depending on the complexity of the task.
#18. Monetise Your Hobbies on TikTok (e.g., Cooking, Gardening, Drawing)
Monetizing your hobbies on TikTok is one of the most accessible and engaging ways to generate side income. Whether you’re into cooking, gardening, drawing, or DIY projects, TikTok’s format allows you to showcase your skills to a wide audience.
As you gain followers, you can earn money through:
- Brand partnerships: Brands may approach you for sponsored content.
- TikTok’s Creator Fund: You earn based on video views and engagement.
- Live gifts: Fans can send virtual gifts during live streams, which convert to real money.
Not only does TikTok offer an easy entry into monetizing your passions, but it’s also low-cost—just a phone, creativity, and consistency. Building a strong community and staying active can lead to more opportunities, including affiliate links, paid partnerships, and even product sales.
The key is creating relatable and engaging content that attracts views and encourages interaction.
#19. Offer Resume & LinkedIn Makeover Services
In today’s competitive job market, having a polished resume and LinkedIn profile is essential. If you understand what recruiters are looking for, you can offer services that help job seekers stand out.
This could include optimizing their LinkedIn profile, writing cover letters, and providing interview tips.
Estimated Income: RM100–RM500 per profile, depending on service level.
#20. Offer Translation or Subtitle Services
If you’re fluent in multiple languages, you can help businesses or content creators by providing translation or subtitle services. This side hustle can be done remotely, making it ideal for those with language skills. You can find work on freelance platforms or by contacting local businesses.
Estimated Income: RM50–RM300 per document or video.
Tools Needed: Google Translate, translation apps, and subtitle software like Subtitle Edit.
Additional Tips and Insights
If you’re a student or anyone on a tight budget wondering “how to earn money as a student” or “what business can I start with RM5000,” consider these extra strategies:
| Strategy | Description | Potential Income |
| Micro-Entrepreneurship | Invest RM5000 in dropshipping, an online store, or a food stall. Research market trends. | Varies based on business model |
| Utilize Online Platforms | Use freelance websites, social media, and marketplaces to generate income quickly. | RM500 – RM5000+ per month |
| Passive Income Strategies | Earn through affiliate marketing or Airbnb co-hosting for long-term financial stability. | RM300 – RM3000+ per month |
By implementing these strategies and maintaining a commitment to high-quality service and expertise, you can create a diversified income portfolio that adapts to your lifestyle and financial goals.
