Side Hustles Malaysia: 5 Ideas That Don’t Involve Selling Anything

Let’s not go to “unprecedented times” or “era of inflation”- we have all read these phrases a hundred times and we don’t need these cliches to remind us that prices for everything are climbing as we live and breathe. Our wages are stagnant and Malaysian households are feeling the squeeze more than ever. This is backed by data and not just how we’re feeling because the gig economy is blowing up, which means only one thing- we are looking for side gigs and hustles to make some extra money. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the gig economy expanded from 18.5 % of GDP in 2018 to nearly 30 % in 2020. Meanwhile, a recent Southeast Asia survey found nearly 60 % of urban millennials supplementing their incomes with side gigs .

However, on the other hand, this is also true that not everyone can or wants to, sell things. Inventory, shipping, marketing and platform fees can be overwhelming and not all of us were born with business acumen. If this makes sense to you and you are looking for side hustles that don’t involve selling anything, you have landed on the right web page. Here are five high-impact options tailored for Malaysians in 2025.

Top 5 side hustles Malaysia (No selling required)

1. Freelance digital services (Web, Design, Copywriting)

If you’ve got a knack for writing, design or even basic website work, freelancing could be one of the easiest ways to start earning without ever having to sell a product. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and even local job boards like JobStreet and Hiredly make it easier than ever to find clients, both in Malaysia and overseas.

Whether it’s writing blog posts, creating Canva graphics, translating documents or building landing pages, there’s a market for almost every digital skill. In fact, many Malaysians are already doing this: the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) estimates that around 4 million Malaysians are involved in the gig economy, that’s 26% of the national workforce.

As for income, beginner freelancers typically earn RM1,500–5,000/month, depending on their niche and hours. A copywriter from KL, for example, shared on LinkedIn how she started charging RM200 per article on Fiverr and now averages RM4,000 per month, working around her 9-to-5.

Why it works: Little to no setup cost (a laptop and internet will do), totally flexible hours and it’s easy to scale once you build a solid client base or portfolio. Plus, you’re building real skills that can benefit your main job or even become your future career.

2. Online & private tutoring

If you’ve ever been that patient friend who explains math or English to classmates, this might be one of the easiest side gigs, if you’ve already got the right skills. Top platforms like MyPrivateTutor connect tutors with local students, have over 15,000 registered tutors and 10,000 open teaching jobs, making it surprisingly friction‑free to get started.

On average, Malaysian tutors earn around RM30/hour, with entry‑level tutors starting at ~RM20 and experienced ones charging up to RM70‑120/hr . Countrywide, monthly freelance tutor salaries range between RM2,700–3,400. Case in point: One fresh grad from KL shared how he started partying RM40/hr as a secondary school tutor on Reddit, then began charging RM80 once he moved online and got reviews, a neat doubling of income .

Why it works: Tutoring isn’t just popular, it’s a necessity. With fierce competition in Chinese schools, private tuition is the norm and online formats through Zoom or Google Meet simply supercharge your reach .

3. Virtual assistance & admin support

If you’re the type who keeps a colour-coded calendar, remembers everyone’s birthdays and can manage emails without breaking a sweat, virtual assistance might just be the perfect side hustle for you. It’s one of the easiest ways to earn extra income, especially if you’re already known as the friend who organises group holidays or handles bookings like a pro.

Virtual assistant (VA) roles typically involve tasks like managing schedules, handling emails, organising spreadsheets or updating social media calendars. They don’t require specialised qualifications, just good communication skills, basic tech know-how and a strong sense of organisation.

In Malaysia, VAs can expect to earn around RM2,300 to RM4,100 per month when starting out, based on local listings. More experienced VAs working with international clients on platforms like Upwork can make anywhere from RM20 to RM100 an hour, depending on their skillset and niche.

Why it works: It’s remote, flexible and increasingly in demand. Startups, SMEs and even larger corporations are outsourcing admin tasks to virtual assistants to save time and resources. It’s a role that’s easy to break into and offers great potential to scale as you gain experience and build a strong client base.

4. Transcription & proofreading

If you enjoy spotting grammar slips or find satisfaction in correcting a poorly worded sentence, transcription or proofreading might be right up your alley. It’s also one of the most accessible side hustles, you don’t need fancy tools or upfront investment. Just a decent laptop, a good set of headphones if you’re transcribing audio and a keen eye for detail.

This side hustle is particularly well-suited for bilingual Malaysians who can switch between English and Malay or even Chinese. Many clients actively seek out those who can translate or transcribe in more than one language. Work is available on international platforms like Upwork, TranscribeMe and Rev, as well as through local Facebook groups and freelancing communities.

In terms of earnings, proofreaders in Malaysia typically make around RM25 an hour, which works out to approximately RM2,500 to RM4,000 per month, depending on how many projects they take on. According to SalaryExpert and ERI, experienced freelancers can even hit annual earnings close to RM50,000. It’s not uncommon to find Malaysian proofreaders on Upwork with glowing 4.9-star ratings and charging US$25/hour once they’ve built up a solid profile.

Why it works: There’s virtually no startup cost and it’s easy to do from home. If you’re meticulous and good with words, transcription and proofreading offer a flexible, quiet and surprisingly rewarding way to earn on the side.

5. Online surveys, UX testing & microtasks

Not every side hustle needs to be a long-term commitment or require specialised skills. If you’re looking for something ultra-flexible that fits around your day job or studies, this might be your best bet. From answering opinion-based surveys to testing websites and apps for user-friendliness, these small tasks can be surprisingly accessible.

Websites like Toluna, UserTesting, Timebucks and YouGov Malaysia allow you to sign up for free and start earning almost immediately. Payouts typically depend on how active you are and which platforms you choose, but many Malaysians report earning around RM100 to RM500 per month doing this in their spare time. Some tests, like those involving screen recordings and voice feedback, pay more than simple surveys.

It’s not going to replace a full-time salary, but it can easily cover a few bills or your weekend spending money without requiring too much mental effort or consistency.

Why it works: You don’t need to sell anything or even commit to a fixed schedule. It’s completely flexible, requires no setup or prior experience and is ideal if you’re just looking to dip your toes into the side hustle space with minimal risk.

Discover a suitable side hustle Malaysia offers and get started today!

With inflationary pressures and wage stagnation, Malaysians are turning to side hustles as vital income buffers. If selling products isn’t your thing, side hustles Malaysia like freelancing, tutoring, VA services, transcription and microtasks offer practical, scalable and non‑selling pathways. Each taps into existing digital trends, requires minimal cash outlay and aligns with the realities of modern work-life balance.

Choose the one that fits your schedule and skillset and take a few small steps today. Who knows? One of these could grow into a full-time venture or meaningful second income.