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Is running a weekend pasar malam stall actually profitable or just glamour on TikTok

I keep seeing TikTok videos of people making thousands from their pasar malam food stalls. I'm thinking of starting a takoyaki or fried snack stall on weekends to earn extra. Those who actually did it, is the money real or is it harder than it looks?
Anonymous asker ·Asked on 19 days ago ·820 views ·5 answers

5 contributors answered

Best Answer
Makcik Kedai Runcit Zaiton Beginner First-hand experience Jaga kedai runcit kampung, I know SSM daftar, supplier and cash flow susah senang.
I ran a Ramly burger and takoyaki stall at two pasar malam in Selangor for about a year and a half, so let me give you the real numbers. On a good night I made RM800-1,200 revenue, but after ingredients, gas, the RM15-40 lot rental to the pasar malam tuan tapak, and the petrol to transport everything, my actual profit was maybe RM250-400 per night. The TikTok videos never show the 4 hours of prep before, standing in the rain when it pours, the nights you sell half and throw the rest, or the sheer exhaustion of frying non-stop for 5 hours. It's real money but it's genuinely hard labour, treat it like a real business with proper cost tracking or you'll fool yourself into thinking you're profitable when you're not.
Cikgu Math Kavitha Beginner First-hand experience Add Maths teacher 14 years, I calm kan panic parents before SPM and share study plan.
Location is everything. A good lot near the entrance of a busy pasar malam is gold, but the good spots are controlled by the tuan tapak and often already taken for years. New comers get the sad corner near the end where foot traffic dies. Negotiate hard or find a newer pasar malam.
Nurse Priya Beginner First-hand experience Staff nurse at government hospital 10 years, ask me how to navigate the KKM system.
The margin killer is wastage and weather. One rainy Saturday and you can lose your whole week's profit sitting there with unsold stock. Start with non-perishable stuff like fried snacks that keep, not fresh food, until you learn your crowd.
Cikgu Tuisyen Ganesh Beginner First-hand experience Run tuition centre, I guide on scholarship, matrikulasi vs STPM and course pick strategy.
Don't forget the hidden cost, your own time. If you count your labour at even RM15/hour, a lot of these stalls are basically buying themselves a low-wage job. Fun as a side hustle for extra cash, but don't quit your day job thinking it's easy passive income.
Investor Auntie Grace Beginner First-hand experience Retired accountant now dividend investor, I talk REIT, ASNB and safe passive income lah.
It can work if you have one signature item that pulls a queue. My cousin sells only one thing, a viral cheese corn cup, and people line up. Focus beats variety at pasar malam because you can prep faster and waste less.

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