The reality of today's life forces low-income individuals to do two jobs to make more money to cover the rising cost of living.

Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Ahmad Maslan said such actions are encouraged by the government as one of the efforts to address the issue.

Ahmad said it is not uncommon, most people in countries around the world are also working two jobs.

Individuals are also encouraged to start a small-scale online business for added income, he said.

"I think it's not wrong (to have two jobs) in Malaysia, though we have regulations but it is still one way to address the rising cost of living.

"They can work during office hours (from 8am to 5pm) and still run their online business... as long as they have enough sleep and come to work. They can also run their businesses on weekends.

"The government supports this via 'eUsahawan' and 'eRezeki', you can check out the portals, so this (having two jobs) is also in line with what is being done by the government," said Ahmad when met at a meet-and-greet event with Johor entrepreneurs here today.

As for civil servants, they are free to conduct online businesses as well, to increase their income.

However, these individuals' main commitment should still be their day job.