Kuala Lumpur, May 7, 2025 – As inflation, rising rent, and soaring living costs continue to pressure Malaysians, side hustles are no longer optional—they’re essential. A new nationwide survey shows that the Top 10 Most Common Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms are shaping a new economic reality, redefining how people work, earn, and live in 2025.
Our news team has conducted exclusive interviews with platform representatives, gig workers, and digital freelancers to bring you the ultimate list of the hottest platforms in Malaysia right now. Whether you’re looking to boost your monthly income, achieve financial freedom, or simply explore remote work, this side hustle guide is your golden ticket.
1. Shopee Live & Affiliate — The E-Commerce Fast Track to Extra Income
Shopee is no longer just a shopping platform; it has evolved into a powerful revenue engine for many Malaysians. Through Shopee Live, users can promote products via live broadcasts and earn commissions without holding any stock or owning products. Even beginners can earn by sharing affiliate links, product recommendations, or social media posts. The Shopee Affiliate Program is ideal for content creators who are active on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. By simply sharing designated product links, users can earn commissions when someone makes a purchase through their link. Many Malaysians treat this as a side hustle, easily adding hundreds or even thousands of ringgit to their monthly income. For anyone looking to start in e-commerce with minimal investment, this is a fast and free entry point.
2. Fiverr — A Global Playground for Skill-Based Freelancers | Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
Fiverr is a platform that connects skill-based freelancers with global clients, making it perfect for Malaysians with digital skills. Whether you’re into graphic design, writing, translation, voice-over work, website development, or video editing, Fiverr allows you to offer your services and get paid in USD, making the platform highly attractive. One of Fiverr’s biggest advantages is its automation and transparent system, allowing freelancers to easily manage projects, payments, and client communications. More and more Malaysians are using Fiverr to build long-term client relationships, achieving steady income while enjoying the freedom to work from anywhere. If you have a specialized skill and want to tap into the global market, Fiverr is your gateway to international opportunities.
3. YouTube Shorts — Bite-Sized Videos, Big-Time Revenue
Don’t underestimate the power of a 60-second video. YouTube Shorts has become a goldmine for local content creators. The platform allows creators to make content with minimal time investment while earning through YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, and brand deals. Many Malaysian creators started by posting simple content like daily life hacks, food reviews, or funny skits, quickly gaining views and traction. YouTube also offers a Shorts Fund that rewards creators with cash bonuses based on video performance, so even those without millions of subscribers can still earn. Furthermore, Shorts can complement a creator’s main YouTube channel, enabling them to promote long-form content and products, thus doubling the potential to monetize. If you enjoy creating content and want to capitalize on the short-video trend, YouTube Shorts is an excellent platform to start earning.
4. TikTok Shop & Affiliate — Turn Scrolling into Earnings
TikTok is no longer just for entertainment; it’s now a powerful tool for shopping and earning money. Malaysians, especially Gen Z and millennials, are earning through TikTok Shop and affiliate links. You don’t need to be a big influencer or have a massive following—by leveraging popular hashtags and content trends, even smaller accounts can go viral and profitable. Many users promote products like fashion, kitchenware, or daily essentials, creating a direct link between content and sales. TikTok’s format emphasizes authenticity and creativity, which resonates well with its user base, making it easier for regular users to engage and earn. With TikTok Shop, you can monetize your scrolling time while building your personal brand and growing your online presence.
5. Preply / italki — Speak and Get Paid | Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
If you speak multiple languages, platforms like Preply and italki allow you to teach languages from anywhere in the world. These platforms don’t require you to have a teaching degree—just good communication skills. Many Malaysians are earning foreign currency by teaching languages such as English, Malay, or Mandarin to students worldwide. You have the flexibility to set your own teaching hours and rates, using the platform’s tools to interact with students and enhance your lessons. Many part-time tutors easily earn hundreds of dollars a month, and some full-time language coaches have turned it into their main career. If you’re fluent in any language, this is a stable and growing source of income that allows you to work from anywhere.
6. Grab / inDrive — Side Hustles on Wheels, More Than Just Transport
In recent years, Grab and inDrive have expanded their services beyond traditional ride-hailing and food delivery, offering even more earning opportunities. For many Malaysians, especially office workers, students, and retirees, using these platforms for flexible side gigs has become a new norm. Whether it’s taking short trips before or after work or running errands on the weekends, people can earn extra income during their spare time. Many retirees are also finding these platforms to be a great way to stay connected with the community while earning a flexible income. Additionally, Grab and inDrive now offer a variety of additional services such as shopping deliveries and document drop-offs, providing more ways for drivers to increase their earnings. With modern transportation and tech platforms combined, these services provide an easy way to make money in everyday life.
7. Etsy — Turning Hobbies into Cash, A Global Stage for Creators | Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
Etsy provides a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about crafting, illustration, and personalized products to reach a global audience. The platform focuses on creative and handmade items, attracting buyers from all over the world, especially in Europe and North America. Many Malaysians have turned their love for arts and crafts into a business by selling handmade fabric items, jewelry, and even hand-written cards on Etsy, gaining fans from across the globe. Etsy allows creators to directly interact with international buyers, build a steady customer base, and even create their own brand. Unlike traditional art exhibitions or markets, Etsy offers 24/7 global exposure, lowering the barriers for creators to enter the market. For those looking to turn their passion into a business and showcase their work globally, Etsy is an invaluable opportunity.
8. Instagram Micro-Influencers — Small Followers, Big Earnings!
In today’s social media-driven world, Instagram has become a key platform for monetizing personal influence and brand promotion. Especially for micro-influencers, those with a smaller yet engaged following, Instagram offers numerous ways to earn. Nowadays, brands are increasingly interested in collaborating with micro-influencers, particularly those who produce consistent, high-quality content and have a distinct visual style. You don’t need millions of followers to make money — as long as you have a loyal audience and high engagement, brands will seek out collaborations. Through sponsored posts, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing, many micro-influencers are earning substantial income. For creators in niches like fashion, beauty, fitness, and lifestyle, Instagram is a platform where smaller accounts can still make a big impact and generate significant revenue.
9. JobStreet Freelance — Local Short-Term Gigs Made Flexible | Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
JobStreet has followed market trends by launching a Freelance section, where companies can post short-term tasks and project-based positions. This allows Malaysians to take on additional projects without quitting their full-time jobs, offering increased career flexibility. Freelancers can choose projects that interest them and work on their own schedule, making it easy to earn extra income while maintaining a regular job. This is especially attractive for those who want to gain new skills, expand their portfolio, and increase their earnings without committing to a full-time role. For professionals like designers, writers, programmers, and marketing experts, JobStreet Freelance presents a valuable platform to access diverse, project-based work.
10. Upwork — A Battleground for Professionals Seeking Global Opportunities
Upwork is one of the largest and most competitive platforms for freelancers, offering high-reward opportunities for skilled professionals. Whether you’re a programmer, UX/UI designer, marketing consultant, or copywriter, Upwork helps turn your professional skills into high-paying work. With clients from all around the world, Upwork gives freelancers the chance to work on challenging, high-quality projects that are often well compensated. While competition can be tough, the platform provides a great opportunity for experienced professionals to earn competitive salaries and expand their global influence. For freelancers with solid expertise, Upwork offers an ideal stage to showcase their talent and secure premium projects at international rates.
Conclusion: The Era of Side Hustles Is Here—Are You In?
With opportunities growing like never before, Malaysians are embracing the side hustle lifestyle. These 10 platforms reflect a shift toward flexible, borderless, and skill-driven work. Whether you’re in finance, creative, logistics, or language, there’s a hustle waiting for you. So the question isn’t “Should I start a side hustle?” anymore—it’s “What’s stopping you?”
