【Latest Financial Bulletin】Side Hustle Boom in Malaysia: Top 10 Platforms Malaysians Use to Boost Their Income
Side hustles are booming in Malaysia! Explore 10 top platforms to turn your skills into extra income—featuring Shopee, TikTok, YouTube Shorts & more.
Exclusive Report by Our Media Team｜May 7, 2025 – Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
With soaring inflation and an unpredictable economy, a single source of income is no longer enough to sustain modern life. As a result, a growing number of Malaysians are turning to side hustles to supplement their earnings. From housewives and students to 9-to-5 professionals and freelancers, nearly every demographic is exploring the world of secondary income streams.
In this exclusive feature, we unveil the Top 10 Most Popular Side Hustle Platforms among Malaysians—chosen for their accessibility, earning potential, and flexibility. Whether you’re looking for passive income, creative freedom, or a way to monetize your time, these platforms could change your financial life.
Shopee Live / Affiliate: Sell While You Talk, Earn Automatically
Shopee, one of the most popular e-commerce platforms in Malaysia, has transformed from a shopping site into a live-streaming e-commerce giant. It’s now one of the top side hustle platforms for Malaysians. With just a smartphone and some communication skills, you can introduce and promote products via Shopee Live. Additionally, Shopee Affiliate is a great option for those who prefer not to be on camera—simply share product links and earn commissions. Compared to traditional part-time jobs, this “passive income” model is much more appealing, offering a flexible way to earn money while enjoying what you do.
Fiverr: Turn Skills into Cash and Connect with Global Clients – Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
Fiverr is a global freelance platform perfect for anyone with a specialized skill—whether it’s logo design, content writing, video editing, or programming. It’s a platform where Malaysians can “localize globally” by showcasing their expertise and accepting projects from clients worldwide. With the advantage of favorable exchange rates and flexible working hours, many young Malaysians use Fiverr as their primary source of income. The platform allows for significant earnings, making it a great way to leverage your skills while expanding your reach to a global market.
YouTube Shorts & Ad Monetization: Earn Thousands with a One-Minute Video
YouTube used to be a platform with high barriers to entry, but with the introduction of YouTube Shorts, even beginner creators can now thrive. By uploading short, creative videos, you can activate monetization through ads and earn money while having fun. Whether it’s travel logs, food tutorials, or pet daily routines, as long as your content is engaging, it can quickly attract a following. Many young creators are now turning their YouTube Shorts into a side hustle, with the potential to earn substantial income each month. As your audience and followers grow, YouTube Shorts can become a consistent income stream, allowing you to move towards financial freedom.
TikTok Shop / Affiliate: Trendy Selling, Overnight Fame is Possible – Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
TikTok has evolved from being an entertainment app to one of Malaysia’s hottest side hustle platforms. With TikTok Shop, you can easily set up your own store, promote products, and earn commissions—all without the need for inventory or upfront costs. Additionally, TikTok’s Affiliate program offers a straightforward way to earn by sharing product links and driving sales. This low-barrier approach makes it ideal for young people, KOLs, and content creators who want to monetize their influence. Through a combination of short videos and live-streaming, TikTok users can rapidly expand their reach and see a sharp increase in their income, making it possible to achieve “overnight success.”
Preply / Italki: Turn Language Skills into a “Goldmine,” Teach Global Students
Malaysia is a multilingual country, and its residents are fluent in languages like Malay, English, Chinese, Thai, and Korean. You can leverage these language skills by teaching on online platforms such as Preply and Italki, offering lessons to students around the world. Whether it’s teaching Chinese to foreign students or helping non-native speakers practice English, these platforms allow you to turn your language proficiency into a steady income. Each lesson can bring in significant earnings, and with the global demand for language learning skyrocketing, this is an excellent side hustle with immense potential. Additionally, this side hustle offers great flexibility, allowing you to schedule lessons around your free time, making it ideal for earning extra income in your spare hours.
Grab / inDrive: Flexible Working Hours, Instant Withdrawals – Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
Looking for a side hustle that’s easy to start and lets you earn quickly? Consider becoming a driver or delivery person for Grab or inDrive. Many office workers in Malaysia take on these roles after work hours, benefiting from the flexibility and platform subsidies. With minimal training required, all you need is a smartphone and a car to begin earning extra income. These platforms allow you to work at your own pace, making it a perfect option for those looking to boost their income without a rigid schedule. What’s more, both platforms support instant withdrawals, meaning you can access your earnings as soon as you complete a task. For those in need of quick cash, Grab and inDrive offer a hassle-free way to dive into the side hustle scene.
Etsy: Turn Hobbies into Cash, Showcase Art Globally
Etsy is a global marketplace where creators can sell handmade items, crafts, artwork, and custom-made goods. If you’re good at crafting, painting, or making unique items, Etsy is the perfect platform to monetize your passion. Many Malaysians have found success on Etsy, exporting their creations to Western markets and building a steady stream of monthly orders. The platform allows you to sell your products globally without leaving your home, making it an excellent option for artists and crafters looking to expand their reach. Whether it’s jewelry, clothing, or home decor, Etsy provides a stage for your creations to go global and brings a rewarding sense of accomplishment as you earn income from your hobby.
Instagram Micro-Influencer Collaborations: Opportunities Even with Fewer Followers – Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
Did you know that even with just 1,000 followers on Instagram, you can still catch the attention of brands? The rise of “micro-influencers” means that having a smaller but engaged audience can still lead to profitable collaborations. Many Malaysians have turned to Instagram to share their lifestyle, product reviews, or fashion tips, earning money from brand partnerships. Unlike traditional influencers, micro-influencers don’t need to go live or show their face on camera. They can simply post interesting content like product reviews or daily life photos and earn income through collaborations. This offers a great opportunity for those who prefer a low-key social presence while still earning from their passion.
JobStreet Freelance Section: Weekend Income Boost for Office Workers
JobStreet, traditionally known for full-time job listings, has now introduced a freelance section that offers short-term projects and flexible freelance opportunities. Many office workers in Malaysia use this platform to find part-time tasks such as data entry, market research, or remote assistant work during their free time. This allows them to earn extra income without affecting their full-time job. Whether you’re a professional or have specific skills, JobStreet’s freelance section provides a variety of projects that fit into your spare time. It’s an excellent opportunity for workers to increase their income and develop new skills while maintaining their primary job.
Upwork: The Premium Platform for Professionals
Upwork is one of the largest global platforms for freelancers and is ideal for those with specialized skills. If you’re experienced in areas like business consulting, software development, legal writing, or graphic design, Upwork connects you with high-quality clients offering higher budgets and more stable projects. While competition can be tough, the rewards are significant once you gain a reputation and positive reviews. Upwork’s projects typically offer longer-term engagements, providing a steady income stream for experienced professionals. For Malaysians with advanced skills, Upwork offers an excellent opportunity to earn well above local salary standards, while also helping you build your professional reputation.
Final Thoughts｜Side Hustles Aren’t Just a Trend—They’re a New Way of Life
Our investigation reveals one thing clearly: side hustles are now a lifestyle choice for Malaysians. Selecting the right platform is the first step to success. These top 10 side hustle platforms cater to a variety of skills, personalities, and time commitments. Whether you’re a student, parent, office worker, or entrepreneur—there’s a space for you.
In a world where “financial freedom” is no longer optional, side hustling is the new normal. Stop waiting. Start earning. The side hustle revolution is here—and it’s built for Malaysians.
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[News Report] The Rise of Side Jobs in Malaysia: Top 10 Platforms to Boost Your Income!
