16-9-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) In the ever-diverse world of professions, online companionship services have become increasingly popular. Nowadays, many individuals earn substantial incomes through these unconventional careers. In Malaysia, a Muslim man in his early twenties claims to make a lucrative living by offering “rent-a-boyfriend” services. He charges clients around RM3,500 (approximately S$1018 ) for just one hour of phone conversations or video calls, with no need for physical meetings. Remarkably, his monthly income can reach up to RM30,000 (about S$8732), surpassing the earnings of many recent local graduates.
According to Harian Metro, the young man, who goes by the alias Raihan, operates as a “rent-a-boyfriend” service provider in Malaysia through the social media platform TikTok.
Raihan revealed that he serves at least one client daily, with the capacity to accommodate up to 3 to 5 clients per day. Consequently, his monthly income can amount to a substantial RM30,000 (approximately S$8732). Moreover, the “rent-a-boyfriend” service extends beyond mere companionship; it can involve activities such as going shopping or dining together, depending on the client’s preferences. Naturally, the longer the service duration, the higher the fee. Raihan pointed out that his clients come from various backgrounds and professions, and they are not exclusively women; some of them are even married. Allegedly, he has encountered peculiar requests, including one client who asked him to watch them self-pleasure. However, he emphasized that he maintains strict boundaries and does not engage in any sexual services or illegal activities. Additionally, Raihan rejects clients who propose advancing their relationship or offering gifts, as he wishes to preserve the integrity of his paid companionship service.
Regarding his decision to pursue this profession, Raihan explained that when he began in 2019, he was a university student looking for a way to pass the time and earn extra income. Initially, he viewed the “rent-a-boyfriend” service as a leisure activity, but as the number of returning clients increased, he gradually transformed it into a full-time occupation. Presently, Raihan holds a stable job, and he only takes orders and provides services during his spare time, without dedicating too much of his time to this occupation.
Reportedly, some clients have offered him rewards ranging from RM10,000 to RM15,000 (approximately S$2910 to S$4366) to accompany them or join them on overseas vacations. Regarding these offers, Raihan stated that he is still considering them.
The report also mentions another Malaysian student, Maliq, who openly lists various “rent-a-boyfriend” services and their costs on TikTok. These services include a RM169 (about S$49.2) skateboarding companion, a RM139 (approximately S$40) service for delivering flowers at graduation ceremonies, an RM89 (around S$25.91) meal delivery service, and a RM6 (about S$1.75) per hour video call service. Maliq primarily provides psychological counseling services and shared that he once successfully dissuaded a suicidal internet user from taking their own life.
However, Professor Mohd Izhar from the Islamic Research Center at the National University of Malaysia raised concerns about these services, stating that even though they do not involve illegal sexual activities, they remain forbidden in Islam when conducted via video calls. He explained that Islamic teachings promote honorable employment and prohibit any work that contradicts religious doctrine and the law, particularly services that could potentially lead to charges of adultery.
It’s worth noting that under Malaysian law, polygamy is legal but limited to Muslim men. A man can have up to four wives but must obtain written consent from existing wives, and each wife must receive equal treatment, including financial support.
