Malaysian Entrepreneur Highlights Roadside Vendor’s RM6,000 Monthly Income, Inspiring Jobless to Start Businesses

A recent social media post by Malaysian entrepreneur Hafizi Norizan is sparking conversation about entrepreneurship and alternative income streams, particularly for those currently unemployed. Norizan shared a breakdown of a roadside coconut vendor’s finances, revealing a net monthly profit of approximately RM6,490 (roughly $1,375 USD as of March 13, 2026).

The Coconut Vendor’s Business Model

The story began with a simple purchase of coconut water. Norizan engaged the vendor in conversation, inquiring about his daily sales. The vendor reported selling an average of 120 coconuts per day – 150 on quality days and around 100 on rainy days. Based on a selling price of RM5 per coconut, this translates to a monthly revenue of RM18,000 from the sale of 3,600 coconuts.

Norizan’s calculations factored in the vendor’s operating costs, which include:

• Annual fines (considered “rent” for the roadside space): Approximately RM50 per month.
• Petrol for a three-wheeled motorcycle: RM300 per month.
• Plastic bags and straws: RM360 per month.
• Wholesale cost of coconuts: RM10,800 per month.

Despite working 363 days a year (taking only two days off during Chinese Recent Year), the vendor maintains a surprisingly healthy profit margin.

“No Office, Just Work”

Norizan emphasized the vendor’s simple business model – “No office. No shop. No branding…Just one thing: work.” He contrasted this with the common complaints about economic hardship, highlighting the vendor’s success through hard work and dedication. Norizan’s Facebook post encourages unemployed Malaysians to consider starting their own businesses, suggesting that those with little to lose can benefit from the opportunity.

A Word of Caution

Yet, Norizan similarly cautioned against romanticizing the entrepreneurial life. He acknowledged that running a business is challenging, requiring resilience and strong mental fortitude. He warned that the demanding nature of the work – dealing with hot weather, rain and exhaustion – could lead to burnout within three months for those unprepared.

Hafizi Norizan: Background

Hafizi Norizan is the Director of Bersama Infiniti Sdn Bhd and part of the Bersama Group of Companies [1]. He is also active on Facebook [2] and Instagram [4], where he shares insights on entrepreneurship and business.

Key Takeaways

• A roadside coconut vendor in Malaysia earns a net profit of approximately RM6,490 per month.
• The vendor’s success is attributed to hard work, low overhead costs, and consistent effort.
• Entrepreneurship can be a viable option for the unemployed, but it requires resilience and dedication.

This story serves as a reminder that entrepreneurial opportunities can be found in unexpected places, and that success often hinges on a willingness to work hard and adapt to challenging circumstances.