May 7, 2025, Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms — In the ever-changing economic environment, many Malaysians are searching for new ways to earn extra income. From full-time workers to students and freelancers, side jobs have become an essential part of daily life. But which platforms are driving this trend? According to the latest market survey, we bring you the top 10 most popular side job platforms in Malaysia, helping users transform their skills and time into substantial income.
1️⃣ Shopee Live and Affiliate: Live Streaming and Earning, A New Era of Sales
With the rise of e-commerce live streaming, Shopee has transformed from just a shopping platform to a convenient side hustle platform for Malaysians. Through Shopee Live, anyone can showcase products via live streaming, directly interact with viewers, and boost sales. No need for complex equipment or a team; this live-streaming sales model allows users to earn income by leveraging their social influence and communication skills.
Additionally, the Shopee Affiliate program is perfect for those who prefer not to show their face. By sharing product links on social media, blogs, or personal websites, users can earn commissions. Whether full-time or part-time, this low-barrier, flexible way of earning makes it a highly attractive and profitable opportunity with immense growth potential.
2️⃣ Fiverr: Global Freelancing, Skills Turned into Income | Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
If you have professional skills like writing, design, translation, or programming, Fiverr is undoubtedly an ideal platform for a side hustle. On Fiverr, you can create a profile to showcase your skills and accept orders from both local and international clients. Fiverr provides access to a global customer base, allowing you to expand your market reach. For tech professionals, it’s a perfect opportunity to showcase your expertise and earn significant rewards. Fiverr allows you to set your own rates based on your skills and the quality of service provided, and with good customer reviews, you can command higher pay. The platform is a great option for freelancers to earn money doing what they love.
3️⃣ YouTube Shorts & Ad Revenue: Monetizing Short Videos
The rise of short videos has changed how creators earn income. YouTube Shorts provides an easy entry platform for Malaysian content creators to upload short, engaging videos and earn money through ads. Simply create and upload creative content, and activate ad revenue programs to earn money through views and interactions. Whether it’s comedy, gaming, or educational content, short videos are popular, enabling creators to quickly gain followers and start monetizing. The rapid growth of short-form content has allowed creators to earn income more efficiently while enjoying the flexibility of content creation.
4️⃣ TikTok Shop and Affiliate: Fast-Paced Sales, Fast-Growing Income | Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
TikTok, once merely a short-video app, has now become a powerful platform for side hustles in Malaysia. Through TikTok Shop, users can sell their own products, or join the Affiliate program to promote products from other brands and earn commissions. The short-video format makes product promotion more efficient and engaging. For creators who love making short videos, TikTok offers an excellent opportunity to generate income. By showcasing products, doing reviews, or sharing lifestyle content, users can quickly reach a wide audience, driving sales and increasing earnings. With the platform’s vast user base, the potential for growth and income is substantial.
5️⃣ Preply & Italki: Language Teaching, Earning Global Income
With the increasing global demand for language learning, Malaysians who are fluent in languages can leverage platforms like Preply and Italki to offer online language tutoring and earn a good income. These platforms allow you to teach a variety of languages, including English, Mandarin, Malay, and others, attracting students from around the world. As an online language tutor, you can set your own teaching hours and course content, while earning money through the platform. This type of work offers high-income potential and flexibility, allowing you to work from home. With experience and positive reviews, you can attract more students and increase your earnings. The global demand for language learning makes this a lucrative side hustle option with international earning potential.
6️⃣ Grab & inDrive: Turn Commute Hours into Side Hustle Time
Grab and inDrive are among the most popular ride-hailing platforms in Malaysia. Beyond serving daily commuters, they also offer a flexible income opportunity for part-time drivers. Many working professionals choose to drive during off-hours—especially after work or on weekends—to earn extra cash with minimal hassle. With just a valid driver’s license and an eligible vehicle, almost anyone can get started. These platforms allow drivers to choose when and where to accept rides, giving them complete control over their schedule. It’s an ideal side hustle for those who want to make money without compromising their full-time jobs, and a smart way to monetize otherwise idle time.
7️⃣ Etsy: Sell Handmade & Creative Goods to a Global Audience | Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
For crafters, artists, and creative entrepreneurs in Malaysia, Etsy is a powerful platform to showcase and sell handmade or personalized products. Whether you specialize in jewelry, home décor, digital art, or customized gifts, Etsy allows you to reach customers around the world. The platform gives sellers full control over pricing, branding, and shipping options, enabling a truly personalized storefront experience. With growing demand for authentic and handcrafted items, many Malaysians have turned their hobbies into profitable side hustles by tapping into global markets. Etsy is more than just a marketplace—it’s a gateway for local creativity to shine on the international stage.
8️⃣ Instagram Micro-Influencer Collaborations: Monetize Social Media, Unlock the Creator Economy
Instagram has become more than just a platform for sharing photos—it’s now a tool for income generation through brand collaborations. If you’re an active user with even a modest follower count, you can earn by partnering with companies to promote their products or services. Known as micro-influencers, these creators often enjoy higher engagement rates, making them attractive to brands seeking authentic content. From fashion and beauty to travel and food, influencers can get paid for sponsored posts, giveaways, or affiliate marketing. For many Malaysians, this is a fun and profitable way to transform their social presence into a sustainable side hustle.
9️⃣ JobStreet Freelance Section: A Gateway to Extra Income for Full-Time Employees
While JobStreet is widely known for full-time job listings, its freelance section is gaining popularity among Malaysians looking for flexible side gigs. The platform offers various short-term projects such as content writing, data entry, translation, market research, and more. Users can browse opportunities based on their availability and skills, making it ideal for professionals who want to earn extra income in the evenings or on weekends. The freelance section also lets users build a professional profile to attract potential clients. Over time, this side hustle can grow into a full-time freelance career, especially as you accumulate project experience and positive reviews.
🔟 Upwork: The Go-To Platform for High-Skilled Freelancers | Malaysia Side Hustle Platforms
Upwork is one of the world’s leading platforms for high-skilled freelancers, making it a top choice for Malaysian professionals looking to monetize their expertise. Whether you’re in software development, legal consulting, business analysis, or content strategy, Upwork connects you with global clients seeking premium services. The platform offers secure contracts, milestone-based payments, and a rating system that helps freelancers build credibility. For those with niche expertise, Upwork provides access to better-paying projects compared to local markets. It’s not just a side hustle—it’s a chance to scale your freelance career and establish yourself in the global talent pool.
[Conclusion] Side Jobs Take Center Stage, Platform Choice Determines the Future
As side jobs become a norm in daily life, an increasing number of Malaysians are turning to these platforms to diversify their income streams. Whether you’re a professional or someone hoping to turn hobbies or skills into extra cash, these 10 side job platforms offer limitless opportunities. With flexible scheduling and work content that suits personal preferences, you can easily embark on a “side hustle” that boosts your financial well-being.
In the future, side jobs may not just be an additional source of income but could evolve into a significant part of personal careers. Don’t miss out—seize the side job wave and start your second career journey now!