The Side Hustle Boom: How More Malaysians Are Earning Extra Income

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From selling handmade goods on Instagram to offering freelance services and running TikTok Shops, the gig economy in Malaysia continues to thrive.

The flexibility of side hustles allows people to work around their full-time jobs, creating an additional income stream without sacrificing their primary careers.

Social media and e-commerce platforms have also played a significant role in making side hustles more accessible. With the rise of TikTok Shop, Shopee, and Instagram business tools, anyone with a smartphone and an Internet connection can start selling products or offering services with minimal upfront investment.

With the explosion of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, many are making money through brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and ad revenue.

"I was looking for a mattress and they were all too expensive. So, I used my talent as leverage to reach out to a brand to give me their product in exchange for content. They were super happy with the content, so much so that they'll be working with me again for future product launches," shared Suresh, 29, a full-time strategy planner and part-time musician.

Home bakers, caterers, and even small-scale café owners are leveraging platforms like WhatsApp, GrabFood, and Beep to sell homemade food.

Niki works as an Assistant Product Innovation Manager and calls herself a "brownie wizard by night", selling homemade brownies and other treats through her Instagram page @brownysm.co.

"Whipping up delicious chocolatey treats isn't just my passion, it's also how I stack up my emergency fund," she shared.

From graphic design, copywriting, and photography to online tutoring and social media management, many professionals are monetising their skills on international platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, where they can get paid in USD, as well as applying for local part-time and freelance work within Malaysia.

"It's easy money. I work for two hours a month and get paid enough to cover my car's monthly installment. Some jobs can be pretty easy and companies are willing to spend for freelance work," says WX, 31, a full-time online writer who freelances as a digital marketer.

Artists, crafters, and designers are selling handmade jewellery, digital art, custom paintings, and DIY crafts on platforms like Shopee, Etsy, Carousell, and Instagram. Many also take commissions for personalised gifts and décor.

Adriana Za'ba, 25, started her crocheting business after the Movement Control Order was lifted in 2021, when friends and family encouraged her to sell her creations. Priced between RM20 and RM200, Adriana makes custom plushies and more.

"I was already doing it [crocheting] for fun so making extra money was a plus point. And I love seeing the reactions of people when they see their custom order come to life," she shared.

Many Malaysians are also earning extra income by driving and delivering for platforms such as Grab and foodpanda.

Ahmad, who works in marketing at a company based in Puchong, prefers to drive for Grab in the evenings rather than sit through rush hour traffic. This way, he supplements his income while waiting for the congestion to ease.

Many struggle with time management, burnout, and the unpredictability of sales. Legal and financial considerations, such as taxes and business licensing, are also important factors to consider.

But for some Malaysians, side hustles have become more than just extra income — they've turned into full-time businesses. 

With the rise of digital tools and platforms, the side hustle trend in Malaysia is expected to grow even further.

As more people seek financial security and independence, the gig economy will continue to evolve, creating new opportunities to earn, innovate, and build their own success stories.