In a world where the gig economy knows no bounds, there’s a new trend emerging that might raise a few eyebrows—becoming an “online boyfriend.”
Two guys in Malaysia; Maliq and his twin brother Raihan (not their real names), who have ventured into this unconventional career path and, surprisingly, made around RM50,000 (S$14,500) in just two months, according to SAYS.
The Genesis of the Idea
Maliq, 23, revealed to Hariam Metro that the idea of becoming an online boyfriend started as a joke during his college days. He candidly admitted that he had a significant following back then, which overwhelmed him with messages and calls from admirers. Seeking to help those who needed someone to talk to, he decided to turn this into a service.
Maliq’s services extend beyond mere conversation. For example, he offers to take clients sightseeing on a scooter in Kuala Lumpur (RM169), deliver flowers on convocation day (RM139), provide food delivery (RM89), and engage in video calls (RM6), among other things. What began as a humorous endeavor quickly gained traction.
The success of Maliq’s venture was astonishing. His first video advertising his services, initially intended as a joke, garnered 1.3 million views within days.
However, it’s not all fun and games. Maliq has encountered clients with complex issues, including one individual who expressed self harming thoughts. Fortunately, Maliq’s advice and support made a positive difference.
Anonymity is Key
Maliq and Raihan, despite their newfound popularity, choose to remain anonymous. They don’t reveal their faces while promoting their services on TikTok, maintaining a degree of privacy and security.
Their clientele is as diverse as it gets, encompassing individuals of all ages and backgrounds, from ordinary folks to artists and VVIPs. As long as the requests stay within their boundaries, Maliq and Raihan are open to providing their unique companionship services.
Maliq proudly revealed that within just two months of running this service, he managed to earn a monthly income of RM50,000. Raihan, on the other hand, charges RM3,500 per hour for phone or video calls and has seen a steady stream of customers, further emphasizing the lucrative nature of this unconventional career.
No Strings Attached
Interestingly, the services provided by Maliq and Raihan don’t include physical intimacy or real romantic involvement. They offer companionship, chat, and video calls, keeping relationships at arm’s length to avoid the constraints of commitment.
What started as a joke for Raihan has now become a full-fledged career. He even mentioned receiving offers of RM15,000 just for friendship and RM10,000 for hanging out. This unique profession allows them to enjoy the perks of friendship without the obligations of a traditional relationship.