How Can Malaysians Make Extra Money?

An increasing number of Malaysians are looking for opportunities to make additional income. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative ways to make extra money, both online and in person.

Some of these side-hustles require some skills, while others can be done by complete novices. All it requires is passion, determination, and the right mindset to get started.

1. Online Tutoring

If you have deep knowledge about a particular school or university subject, you can make money by tutoring online. There are plenty of online platforms that connect tutors with students, like TeachMe or Tutor.com. These sites allow tutors to offer real-time classes in one-on-one or group settings. Additionally, you can also create an entire course on a subject you’re passionate about, and then sell these courses to students or parents.

The best way to succeed with online tutoring is to cover topics that are in demand in Malaysia, like languages (particularly English), digital marketing, or coding. Lessons should be planned ahead, and tutors need to be engaged throughout the interactions with their students.

Tutoring can be flexible, as you can plan your lessons around your daily schedule. This is also important if you plan to teach adults, since they might only be available in the evenings.

2. Sell Products Online

E-commerce platforms have made it convenient to start an online business. Sellers can easily get started on Facebook Marketplace or Spocket to set up an online store, with very low upfront costs.

Two popular categories for online stores include second-hand products and baked goods.

Second-hand goods

An easy way to get rid of some clutter while earning an income is to sell items in your home that you’re no longer using. Shopee and Carousell are popular platforms that allow users to sell any second-hand products, like clothes, electronics, and kitchen gadgets. There are also plenty of Facebook groups where you can sell the items you’re no longer using.

You can also level up your online store by going to thrift stores, upcycling products, and then reselling them for a profit. This option is great for those who have an eye for fashion and some extra time on their hands.

Baked goods

Are you the one at the office who is always bringing in homemade brownies or cupcakes on birthdays? Do your friends often ask you if you wouldn’t mind baking your classic chocolate cake for their birthday? If that’s the case, you may have a side business ready to go.

You can turn your baking hobby into a business by selling cookies, pastries, cakes, or brownies to your friends and colleagues (initially). Using social media to market your baked goods business is an easy way to get started. There are also several specialty platforms, like Kravve and ShaFoLo, where you can sell homemade snacks.

3. Online Gambling

Gambling is very popular in Malaysia, both online and in person. Although online gambling is currently not regulated in the country, there are plenty of offshore casino sites where you can play in Malaysia. These sites offer a variety of casino games, from slots to table games, allowing you to potentially make some extra income if you’re lucky.

Skilled games like blackjack and baccarat have a lower house edge, which means your chances of winning might be a bit higher if you’re familiar with the game. Becoming a professional gambler, making a living off of your winnings, is tough, but the odd win here and there can help boost your budget.

4. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing can be highly lucrative if you know what you’re doing. The premise is simple: you market a business’s products on your own channels (like a website, blog, or social media), include an affiliate link to the product, and each time someone purchases the product through your link, you earn commission.

In Asia, some popular affiliate marketing products include Shopee Affiliates and Involve Asia. The best way to make money using this strategy is to focus on a niche you’re passionate about. For example, if you’re a dog owner, you can promote pet accessories, food, and groomers, since the pet care market is booming in Asia. Or, if you enjoy the outdoors, you can promote camping gear or a sportswear brand. Other niches include fashion, food, personal finance, health and wellness, and electronics.

The key is not to come across to salesy, and create content for your followers that is helpful and authentic.

5. Paid Surveys

Paid surveys are not the most well-paying side hustle, but they work nicely for a few extra ringgits each month. There are, unfortunately, plenty of scam job offers where you complete surveys but never see any rewards, so it is best to do your research and read reviews before signing up. Reputable platforms include Survey Junkey and Swagbucks.

You will only make around MYR1 to MYR16 per survey, and the payments are usually either sent via PayPal or you receive a gift voucher.

6. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Animal lovers can use their love to earn extra money. Pet owners always have to find someone to watch their animals when they’ve got to go on a business trip or on holiday, and finding a trustworthy pet sitter can be a challenge.

You can sign up for a platform like Petbacker or Petsodia and connect with pet owners looking for someone to watch their dogs and cats while they’re away. If you want a bit less responsibility but still enjoy spending time with animals, then Wag! or Rover allows you to sign up and offer dog walking services.

Final Thoughts

Earning extra money in Malaysia is pretty straightforward, however, it does require some effort on your part. There’s no such thing as free money, and you will have to invest your spare time in whichever endeavour you choose. Whether that’s playing casino games on your commute to work or baking bespoke cakes for special events, it all comes down to consistency and a can-do attitude.